The Under-the-Rim Trail in Bryce is in the most bizarre drainage. It's so green and foresty, but there is no water and hardly any animals (there goes my chance of seeing a mountain lion). I saw one squirrel, one rabbit, and a tick on my sleeping pad (eww!) Ranger lady even made us carry bear canisters and cook our meals 100 yds from camp. We played along... mostly. The weather was perfect, not too hot or cold, with overcast skies on the hike back up to the rim. Just what we ordered. I loved sampling backpacking meals and swapping sleeping pills. When it got dark, we just chilled in our backpacking chairs (WELL worth the 2 lbs to carry) and stared into the sky. I got to see 3 satellites and a shooting star. As the crow flies, we weren't that far from the road, but it felt like the edge of the wilderness. When we came out on the 3rd day, it was weird to see people again. But we got cleaned up, poached a hot tub, ate mediocre burgers and got home to our kids who hardly noticed we were gone. I guess it does get a little easier in that way as they get older.
I just love backpacking. If I had to pick a "favorite" outdoor activity, that would be it! (sorry to lead you on, xc skiing, but you're too seasonal). Allen is busy working on our next adventure. And I need to start thinking about upgrading some of my gear!
