Bryce And Zion – Day 1

Bryce-Zion, Day 1-September 5th, Travel Day

I am flying today for the first time since February, just before the pandemic hit the U.S. This trip to cycle and hike Bryce and Zion in Utah almost did not happen. This is plan D. The first three plans – A, B and C were Southern Spain, Canada and Vermont, and Acadia National Park in Maine respectively.  Because of the pandemic, they had to be canceled. I was ready to postpone our annual adventure trip, but thanks to Pete, we are not letting COCID-19 stop us. 

So, I am sitting in the American Airlines Lounge in Charlotte waiting for my flight to Las Vegas. After landing in Vegas, we shuttle to St. George, Utah, and begin our adventure to one of the most unusual spots in the United States – Red Canyon and Bryce and Zion National Parks. 

Air travel is strange in that, even seven months into pandemic, the Charlotte airport is operating at, what I would guess, is approximately 20 percent capacity. Usually, at 7:30 in the morning, the airport is bustling. Over the years, I have flown in and through this airport hundreds of times. So, it is very strange to see no Starbucks stores or kiosks open, or very few other establishments open. In a word, the airport is “chill”, which is kind of nice. 

We will be staying at the Inn at Entrada (2588 West Sinagua Trail, St. George, Utah) this evening, and will meet out Backroads leaders tomorrow morning at our hotel. Our itinerary tomorrow includes shuttling to Baker Reservoir, just outside of Snow Canyon State Park. After getting our bikes fitted, we will cycle through Snow Canyon and descend along burnt-orange cliffs of ancient Navajo sandstone covered with volcanic basalt. We will stop in St. George for a large picnic. After lunch, we continue biking to the Inn at Entrada, the same hotel we will stay at tonight. As a resort in the dessert, it is surrounded by panoramic views of red vermilion cliffs. Dinner Sunday night will be at a local restaurant. 

Because we will be in relatively low humidity and experiencing major altitude changes, the weather will be very unpredictable with significant temperature swings. So, packing for this trip has been similar to packing for last year’s trip to Ireland, which is where I experienced my wettest and coldest rides ever on a bike – and it was August!

Word of the day – Hoodoo. A hoodoo, also called a fairy chimney, is a tall spire of rock, that protrudes from a basin or badland.  Evidently, we will see plenty of these on our trip. The photo below is from Bryce Canyon National Park.

I will attempt to post narrative and photos every day. We will see how this works out on the blog. Feedback via comments will be very much appreciated. Also, feel free to fire away with questions! I hope I am able to help those of you who are not able to travel during these strange and difficult times feel like you are in Utah with me. 

Peace,
Johnny