US Tour- Bryce Canyon, postcard perfect

We were greeted to a magnificent blue sky and a covering of snow in the morning. As we drove up to Bryce Canyon the temperature in the car thermometer kept dropping. The place looked like a cross country ski centre on the last weekend of the season, as most of the lodges and restaurants were closing for the winter. Also the road was closed after Bryce Point which cut out many of the potential lookouts and trails. But still this place did little to disappoint. In fact I'm not sure if I've ever been to a place that looked so extraordinary. Every photo looked like a postcard, if you ignored the pained expressions on our faces due to the extreme cold. The contrasting red landscapes, with a covering of white snow, scattered green pine trees and deep blue sky was simply stunning. Yes the Grand Canyon is grander, but Bryce Canyon was far more picturesque.

From a geological standpoint, good old Wikipedia offers some background knowledge on the region.

Where is Bryce Canyon?

My plan for a long run was impacted by the lack of open trails, and the fact that the open ones had a lot of snow and were quite steep. But the 12km in 90mins was through an amazing landscape that looks even better when you are beneath looking up than it is when viewed from the lookouts.

We left in the afternoon to Zion National Park knowing that it would be hard to top the last few days. Wow there are some great places in USA, despite mid-winter temperatures!

 

 

2012 US Tour- Route 12 to Bryce Canyon

After a quick tour of the Navajo Indian reserve at Monument Valley we headed to North on highway 261 to the Natural Bridges National Monument. The driving route around the park was broken up by quick dashes from the car to see the natural bridges carved out of the sandstone by the river, and trying to evade to flurries of snow.

The route was even more scenic after that, on Route 95, with classic buttes and mesas everywhere. Apparently the cleanest air in America is around here and there were plenty of good views.

We drove through Capital Reef National Park but didn't have much time to look around, besides the ancient petrograghs left on the cliffs.

When we turned onto Route 12 and into Dixie National Forest the day got even more interesting. Climbing up through the mountain range to 9600 feet the snow was even more prevalent and the temperature dropped down to 16 degrees. Still it added to the experience, and the views were incredible.

After a long day in the car we got out for a run at Kodachrome State Park as the sun set. We stayed the night at Cannonville in a motel, a bit before Bryce Canyon as I was a bit soft and didn't want to spend the -16C night in a tent.

 

 

 

US Tour- The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley

We left Vegas and headed to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon. The northern rim had already closed for the winter so there was no alternative. First we stopped at Hoover Dam for a couple of pics.

Grand Canyon has a compulsory shuttle bus service for most of the year with a pick up/drop off at all the lookouts, lodges etc. We set up camp and headed on the bus for Hermit's Rest on the far West Rim. The 12km run back to The visitors centre was amazing. It was cold and windy and with many storms in view as the serious cold front headed south but the views cannot be surpassed.

The next morning we ran down to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon via the Kaibab Track, and back via the Angel Bright track. Both tracks are used by mule trains so fat, lazy tourists can experience the canyon, so the trails are a pretty good gradient with lots of switchbacks. The run was 27km and 1400m drop from top to bottom. The legs were certainly tired the next day!

After a great chilli for lunch at the lodge we headed off from GC for Monument Valley. This is the site of many Western films and is in the middle of Navajo Indian Reservation. While it was warmer here, it was in the middle of a dust storm and not a particularly enjoyable night camping.

 

US Tour- New York, Las Vegas

The original purpose of Kathryn's trip to New York was to run the marathon last weekend. Though Hurricane Sandy devastated the city and surrounding areas making the logistics of the race more difficult. Then a healthy does of tabloid newspaper reporting and outspoken whining locals killed off the 2013 race, but not until the 30000 participants had already arrived in Manhattan. Anyway what else can you do but enjoy a holiday.

Kathryn in NY Times Square

Kathryn at the marathon finish

Kathryn in Central Park

I flew to Las Vegas on Tuesday to meet Kathryn and her parents John and Lois (yes how will I survive 10days with the in-laws!). Not being much of a gambler, Vegas never really held much appeal with me. However Sin City is a pretty interesting place. Bright lights, extravagant hotels with amazing displays, 24hr action and no one really looks out of place there. After two nights and 24hr binge-eating ($45 and eat at 6 restaurants) it was time to leave the Flamingo and head to the Grand Canyon via Hoover Dam. My favourite quote for the day from Lois-"is it possible to be drunk from eating too much food?" I didn't get to experience an authentic Vegas Hangover, so will save that for next time.

Kathryn in NY Times Square

 

 

Check out Macpac's fantastic new Active clothing range

Famous for great quality outdoor clothing for the toughest environments, Macpac has now released a great range of active clothing for runners and bikers of all levels. Perfect for summer, there are some cool trail running shorts and shirts that are SO comfortable. And if you live in unpredictable environments then jackets like the Litespeed are great to pack for when the storm hits.

The full range can be viewed online at http://www.macpac.com.au/endurance/sale.

As we get a chance to put the new range to use in training and competition we'll have more comprehensive reviews on the website. So checkout the Active range at your local Macpac store and for the next two weeks there is an extra 30% off if you are a Macpac Wilderness Club member.

Kathryn training in the new Active range

http://www.macpac.com.au/endurance/sale

2012 Summer Gippsland Urban Adventure Series

Following the successful return of Orienteering to Gippsland last summer, a new series of urban street orienteering races will start at the end of November. The event format of 45 minute score course allows participants to collect as many of the 20 checkpoints as they can and return to the finish. The navigational challenge of Orienteering means that the time flys by and you will be amazed by how quickly you have used your 45 minutes. The start time is 6pm but please arrive by 5.45 to allow time for registration and planning your course.

Race calendar

Monday 26 November- Traralgon

Monday 3 December- Churchill

Monday 10 December- Morwell


Monday 17 December- Traralgon

Keep an eye on the Orienteering Gippsland website- www.orienteeringgippsland.com, and Facebook page for more details as they are published.