Horseshoe Bend then up to Bryce

June 30, 2013: this morning after breakfast we did a short hike to Horseshoe Bend just a few miles south of Page, AZ. It is 3/4 of a mile to a lookout over an amazing section of the Colorado river. Here the river did not continue to carve its way through the sandstone in the typical fashion but rather took a wide turn before continuing on, leaving the rocks cared out and the river running sound it in the shape of a horseshoe. It really is neat to see. It was very hot and we took the kids back to the motel to swim and have lunch then we packed up and hit the road. It actually rained for a few minutes during the drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. The wind blew so strongly, we even saw a few tumble weeds roll across the roads. Everyone had nice long naps as we drove to Bryce and we were greeted with temperatures almost 25-30 degrees lower than what we left in Page. We were surprised to find a tent site still available when we drove in after 5pm. We set up camp, made dinner then went to sunset point to see the sunset, how cliche! This was our first glimpse of what Bryce has to offer and has us excited for tomorrow's hikes. Julia wiped out and got bloody knees, ankles and elbows. And molly is running a fever, but we are all fine. We are so happy to be sleeping in this nice cool weather!