Canyons Extraordinaire

Headed off this morning in reasonably cool weather - after an hour or so it was freezing & I was bitterly regretting not having put on long sleeves. Luckily Charlene (pillion on the lead bike) was cold too, so we pulled up to add a layer on.

At Panguitch, a small town we passed thru there was a Hot Air Balloon festival - we counted at least 12 balloons landing in the paddocks. Quite an interesting spectacle.

Our first destination was Bryce Canyon, a beautiful mass of arches, pinnacles, columns & spires. We pulled into Sunrise Point and then Inspiration Point. Believe us - it is an inspiration. Absoltely breathtaking! Elevation of 10350ft meant the guys were finding it pretty hard to breathe again. On our way out of the canyon we called into Ruby's Inn for a drink - the most incredible shop, conference centre etc etc we have seen for many a day. Could easily have spent days there.

Back on the road again we continued thru the Dixie National Forest, Capitol Reef National Park and then the Grand Staircase - Escalante. Truly amazing country. From one corner to the next the vista changes, acres of sandstone canyons, plateaus & cliffs which go on & on & on - cannot explain the absolute beauty of it all.

Arrived at Torrey at about 3.30pm and were all given rooms with an escarpment / valley view. Again - superb. Had tea at a little diner over the road, it was great, sat outside in a beautiful breeze with tiny humming birds feeding. While waiting for our meal the 3 guys played Horseshoe (quoits). Oh dear - the antics!