Bryce is so different than Arches. We see snow on the peaks around us, and we're still in the treeline at the highest spot, Rainbow Point, elev 9115 ft. Distant views can be up to 200 miles on a very clear day. It's been cloudy, but still impressive nevertheless.

 The cloud cover hid the sun and the brilliant colors, but it was still a beautiful sight. It rained overnight, woke us both up. We held our breath then relaxed when we knew the tent didn't leak and it wasn't floating away. The day started damp and chilly, 34 degrees until the wind picked up and although it was now in the low 40's it felt even colder. brrrr! We actually set the alarm clock this morning for 6:00am. Sunrise over Bryce Canyon is spectacular and we wanted to catch it.

Fred treated me to a day off in the kitchen and we had breakfast at the Lodge. A nice, warm place to sit and have somebody wait on you. Who am I to refuse that. He spoils me, that man!

This afternoon we explored the bottom of Bryce Canyon on horseback. Yes, I now know which side of a horse or mule to get on. Fred sat Rachel and I was on Dixie. Since I was the weenie of our small group, I got to ride behind our guide and Fred was after me. It's late in the season and there were only seven in our group. When I remarked that Dixie liked to hug the edge of the trail closest the drop off, our guide reminded everyone that the animals were not suicidal and just preferred being out there. Mules in the Grand Canyon were the same.

Halfway through the tour, we stopped to stretch our legs. Hmmm, not too bad, guess I'll be okay in the a.m. I didn't think about the return trip, and now I know I'll be walking funny tomorrow. Fred seems impervious to such discomfort. Iron Man. I did get a little nervous when his saddle started to slip, but he managed to straighten things out on the move and our guide didn't even have to stop.

We're looking forward to returning to our little camp, build a nice fire and have a quiet evening. Before that, it's off to the General Store in search of footwarmers and relish. No relation to eachother, thankfully.

Tomorrow is our last day at Bryce, and we're planning some hiking and exploring. Then later in the day we're off to Zion for some more fresh air and exercise. Can't wait. Some say we're leaving the best of the National Parks for last, but we'll see.