I started today by retracing my steps back up into Utah, stopping in Kanab for breakfast. When I was out to dinner with Grandma and Jeff, our waitress had recommended a small breakfast shack that we never could find. I lucked into it today and was rewarded with a fairly good sandwich. My plan after was to hike Peekaboo Canyon, but it turns out that I had mixed up the location of the trailhead. Expect that sometime later this week.
Instead, I took my time driving to Panguitch, just northwest of Bryce Canyon. As I moved northward—and upward—the Grand Staircase moved toward brilliant salmon pinks, rendered beautifully far in the background. I thought it just as inspiring as the Grand Canyon.
Panguitch is a pleasant little town of under 2,000 people, with perfect autumn weather and genuinely friendly people. Unfortunately, something must not be working for them. Multiple downtown lots sat empty or boarded up. I’m sure they do well with the nearly two million tourists that visit Bryce Canyon every year; hopefully the town is on the upswing. I didn’t do much exploring today, and instead focused on mundane things. I bought groceries and tidied my car. I walked around the town and the forests nearby. Just like Panguitch, my day was pleasant.
Hmm… I wouldn’t be too dismissive of the Grand Canyon, which is actually probably the largest geology laboratory in existence. You’re probably right about getting a different perspective from inside the canyon than on top of it. If you know even the most fundamental concepts of geology, Grand Canyon has got examples of it all (except vulcanism): sedimentation, seismic uplift, etc. etc. It’s really one of the great natural wonders of the world.
BTW, I have no idea of where you are in relation to Monument Valley, but if you go there, see if you can conjure up the ghost of John Ford.
Glad you found that breakfast shack, and it was even open! There is nothing like the Grand Staircase for scenery. We found more of it on our way to our overnight place in Arizona. Stopped at an overlook and took more pictures. More of the Vermillion Cliffs. Panguitch is a familiar name. I think we must have driven through there at one time. Hope you were able to find the trailhead to Peekaboo Canyon. I saw the name somewhere when we were in Kanab, but know nothing about it. I think you will like Bryce. Love, Grandma
Didn’t BRYCE Harper hit a home run for the Phillies yesterday? Lots of people in and around Philly LIKE Bryce too!