Once we were all in-character we headed over to the local diner for breakfast; which Bruce kindly treated us to (reasoning it was as close as possible to having us as guests at their place.) It was awesome to catch up with an old mate and finally meet his lovely wife, Candace, whom we have been hearing about for years. We finished up breakfast (and Matt finished up what those guys couldn't)-then hit the road for Bryce Canyon. The local supermarket provided us with the makings for what we assured a dubious Brooce was the lunch of champions; coleslaw, cheese, mustard and bread.
It felt decadent to be cruising in a plush air-conditioned car and easily conversing without getting short of breath. After an insultingly effortless and swift journey, we were parked up at Bryce Canyon National Park to gawk at its' uniquely weathered spires of sandstone (hoodoos).
Our cycle past Bryce National Park yesterday had only given us a brief glimpse of what we now enjoyed exploring with Brooce and Candace. Matt got into Navigator mode (Matt-Nav)-and directed us to a couple of short trail hikes around sections of the vast National Park. At lunch time we grabbed the sandwich stuff and headed off down a trail for some al-fresco dining. Just a few hundred meters down the trial, thunder and rain set in. Brooce valiantly lead us to shelter below an overhanging boulder, where the four of us cowered to assemble our lunch. Soon the rain became hail, which we all watched with some trepidation as we munched. Luckily the hail then rain stopped as abruptly as it had started, giving way to a bright blue sky. So back down the trial we traipsed.
The 4 mile walk took in lots of views of the surrounding canyon walls, pine forrests and wildflowers with just a bit of heavy uphill, ensuring we each deserved beer that night. After a satisfying little hike, we piled back in the car and drove up to the famed lookout which perches over the most dramatic end of Bryce Canyon. We were not alone; tons of tourists jostled for Kodak-moments along the fenced pathways. The view is utterly breathtaking and unique; Matt and I both felt grateful to share it with friends (having enjoyed eachothers' exclusive company now for over 50 days!)
The drive back to Panguitch was enjoyable as we continued to relish the familliar company and fun banter. Brooce is one of those people who enviably sees opportunities where I see only obstacles; ensuring ever-enlightening conversation. Candace in turn was able to educate us on some Americanisms we have puzzled over, in her sweet Southern twang.
Back in Panguitch, we unanimously decided to skip showers and head straight for boutique beers from the Liquor store. More laughs ensued back at the campsite over beer tasting. Matt then lead the four of us on a lengthy hike to a Saloon he had spotted on his morning run (yes, the man goes on a morning run on his day off cycling...nauseating.) Sadly in his haste, Matt had failed to notice the 'Forclosure' sign over the bar entrance. We could almost laugh it off.
On the lengthy walk back to town, a dog limped beside Candace and I. Sharing a sweet-spot for big dogs, we both took his paw and looked for the source of his ghetto-limp. This attention made Matt and Brooce cringe, especially when the dog then decided to follow us back to town. I wish someone could have taken a photo of the four of us as we all tipsily piled behind a street light in an attempt to lose our four-legged friend. Thankfully, some kids rode by on bikes and he limped after them in the opposite direction.
Saloon-less, we settled for the 'Cowboys Bar and Grill'; which happened to be the only non-drivethru eating establishment. Luckily it offered live country music, which we were vaguely aware of as we drank more beer and ate fried food. Conversation was starting to unravel by the time we left the Cowboys'. Brooce and Candace left for their motel room while we retreated to our tent; happy and full of beer, food and kinship.
If this blog has taught me anything, it's that we are nowhere near as extravagant with our choice of beer names. I hope to see some 'Devastator' in an off license near me soon!
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