DAY 14

Woke up to a cold clear morning decided not to try for to early a start. We had plans to head for Bryce Canyon National Park, checking the GPS and mapquest they both wanted us to get there via interstate, by now you know that's not going to work.

Checking the map we found another route about the same distance but longer driving time. The good part, all two lane all designated scenic byway, the problem "ROADS MAY BE SEASONALLY CLOSED". Don't know if you don't try.

Headed out and soon passed over a 7000 foot summit of scrub cedar and oak then into the red rocks north of Lake Powell. This turned into some incredible winding roads amongst red high cliffs and canyons then on to vistas over looking the Colorado River and the northeast end of Lake Powell. Turned south after leaving the area of the lake and began to climb going up and up into one of the darkest looking skies we have seen. We were soon over 9000 feet in tall snow covered pines and aspens that hadn't heard it was spring.

As we headed down we came upon a stretch of road called the "Hogs Back" this is a narrow road following a high ridge with a drop off on either side very exhilarating riding. One more 7000 foot summit and it was on to Bryce.

Beautiful scenery with scary looking weather made for an absolutely awesome riding day, but only because we avoided most of the weather. The bike gulping cool air while we enjoy great roads and sights with only a slight bit of snow and a little drizzle to dampen spirits.

At one point today I was listening to the radio and a Jerry Jeff Walker song came on. For some unknown reason I didn't immediately change the channel and heard the following for the first time.

Well he's eight years old he's got a flour sack cape tied all around his neck
He's climbing up on top the garage figurin’ what the heck
He screws his courage up so darn tight, that the whole thing come unwound
He got a runnin’ start and bless his heart, he headed for the ground
Chorus
'Cause he’s one of those who knows his life
Is just a leap of faith
Gotta' spread your arms and hold your breath
And always trust your cape
Well he's all grown up, he's got a flour sack cape, tied all around his dream
He’s full of piss and vinegar, ah, he’s bustin’ at the seams
He licks his finger and checks the wind, it’s gonna be do or die
He wasn’t scared of nothin’, boys, he was pretty sure he could fly
Chorus
Now he's old and grey with a flour sack cape, tied all around his head
And he’s still jumpin’ off the garage and will be til he’s dead
All these years the people said the fool was actin’ like a kid
And since he didn't know he couldn't fly, well of course he did
Chorus

O Yea kids it all sort of makes sense.

Finished the day with a good meal and a beer in a beautiful lodge at the entrance to Bryce. Followed up with a trip to the jacuzzi while watching it snow out the window. Explore Bryce tomorrow.