Day 19
15732 mileage
8:33 A.M.
21444 steps
This morning we drove through the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel which was pretty cool. It's a mile long tunnel blasted out of the mountain. There are a few windows to let in a tiny bit of light and there didn't seem to be any internal structure holding up the rock from crashing down on our heads. Like I said, "Cool!"
On the other side we sighted another cool rock formation known as Checkerboard Mountain.
The drive to Bryce Canyon was only an hour and a half so we scheduled another bout of horseback riding at 2 P.M with Canyon Trails. This was a much larger operation that had several realistic looking cowboys leading the tours. There was a huge corral of horses and burros just standing placidly around as the cowboys wrangled up your horse once the trail leader called out its name. We were given Patches and Patricia. Two rather ornery beasts that for some reason really loved hugging the edge of the trails. This was not a good idea because the edge of the trail plummets straight down into a dry dusty hole of death. Oh, and they loved to ride right into tree branches and rocky outcroppings that could easily knock you off your seat if you didn't pay close attention. I bet I looked quite humorous holding my camera up at random spots and trying to take a picture with one hand while jostling up and down on a mean horse.
If you recall from the Hauer Ranch experience we were promised no trotting whatsoever. Now I understand why they made such a point of this. Trotting horses causes the rider to bounce up and slam back down into the saddle repeatedly. And after the day we had yesterday, this was not so exciting. I managed to avoid most of the pain by raising myself up a bit in the saddle so I didn't hit so hard.
Our guide took us on an 8 mile loop of the most amazing vistas in the park. We saw so many beautiful views in this three hour trek that would have taken us all day to walk. Formations with names like Thor's Hammer, Queen Victoria, the Alligator, and Peek-A-Boo were some of the highlights. We even saw one that had the face of Mrs. Doubtfire. This was definitely the best way to see the park when you only have one day to get it all in. Not so sure my butt would agree, though.
On this trail the horses have the right of way, so all hikers have to step off the path and let us pass. I felt bad for those folks waiting for ten horses to trot their way ahead of them. This ride definitely took more skill than others I've been on. The path dips down into the canyon which pitches the rider forward. We kept hearing the guide instruct us to lean back in the saddle. He forgot to mention to hold on for dear life. Then as we head back up the canyon you have to lean forward to give the horse a break from trying to move your weight. My horse was a slowpoke and kept lagging behind no matter how hard I kicked. The fun part was it would get a certain distance and then trot to catch up. Can you hear my sarcasm?
It was an excellent ride and I would definitely encourage you to see Bryce Canyon this way. Just be aware of what you are in for.
BONUS: Horseback riding actually tracks as steps on your pedometer!
We finished the park by driving out to Rainbow Point and of course Fairyland Point.
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