Day 14…Bryce NP, rest day
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I slept until 7:30, when it got too warm in my tent to be comfortable anymore. My saddle sores were killing me, and the last thing I wanted to do was get on the bike. I locked it up, had a light breakfast and headed out to the park for some sightseeing.
Now I never meant to go on a big hike…no intention at all. I took the shuttle to Bryce Point and started toward Inspiration Point. On the way I was looking a neat plant with a red-veined seed pod. I pointed it out to a young blond woman in hiking duds and pigtails. We spoke a little, and I soon realized that this was the same traveller Jerry and Dick spoke to yesterday.
We walked and talked, and after awhile came to the “Hat Shop”, where rocks are perched on spires that will eventually erode away, causing the “hat” to topple. She asked me how far I was going; I really had no plans, so I asked if she mind if I continue with her. No, she didn’t mind, but warned me that she was going 13 miles to the floor of the park and back up. And so it goes.
Mathu and I spent quite a day talking about all kinds of subjects, singing “She’ll be coming around the mountain” in Dutch, and discussing life. We managed to get lost once, and bushwacked our way back to the trail, Mathu taking the lead. She had a good handle on directions and topography, better than me. I left her to take the lead.
We finally made it to the rim with about 12 ounces of water left. We hitchhiked our way back to the shuttle bus area…it always helps to have a cute blonde do the thumbing for you. We were picked up by a nice Belgian couple.
We parted ways at Sunrise Point. I must say, I was very impressed with this young lady…she was wise beyond her years, and the world is just one ice cream cone that she is eating up. Mathu, I wish you luck in your journeys….thank you for sharing your day with me.
I joined up with Jerry and Dick, who had a much quieter day. Jerry was busy sampling the the buffet at Ruby’s for lunch, and we returned for dinner. I also managed to take a tumble in the parking lot riding at 1 mph!