There is no question about it. To go on a BMCU Memorial Day Tour takes commitment. On Saturday, one of the largest group of members to ever undertake a Tour, met in the rain, to head towards Bryce Canyon NP, with hopes of sunshine foremost on their minds. The rain must have given our LBC’s a feeling of the comfort of home, as not one of the vehicles had any major problems for the weekend. Sure, there was a tweak here and an alternator gone bad there, but everyone had an incredible journey of close to 800 miles in three days of awesome roads and out of this world scenery.
Surviving rain and a quick hail storm in aptly named Sevier Canyon, we arrived at Ruby’s Inn, ready for all the adventure that Bryce Canyon could give us. Check in was a breeze and after dinner, quite a few of us headed into the Park to watch the sunset. Side note: If you qualify for a National Park Lifetime Senior Pass, you should have one. Watching the colors change as the sun sets is definitely a bucket list item. As darkness approached, we made plans to meet for the next morning’s sunrise. On the way home, I believe there were nearly as many Pronghorns and Deer as there were Park visitors!
Our sunrise meeting time of 5:30am came awfully early and only a small handful of us made our way to Inspiration Point to wait for the sun. It was cold. It was windy. It was basically a real test of our fortitude and patience. The sun came up. Lots of pictures were taken of the canyon rock being illuminated as if from within. Then it was back to the hotel, get cleaned up and head for the Bryce Canyon Lodge for breakfast. Thanks Green’s for that recommendation!
We decided to head up to the end of the canyon, after an excellent breakfast in the old lodge. As we climbed in elevation to the top parking lot and viewpoint, the temperature continued to drop. It was certainly cooler at 9000′ than it was back at the hotel. We then worked our way down the canyon, stopping at several favorite turnouts. The other tourist were always very curious about our cars and had stories about them. The most asked question was, “Are you all traveling together?” Duh!!!
Sunday was beautiful day and we split up to do various activities: other scenic drives, hiking down into Bryce Canyon, horseback rides into the canyon, shopping, etc.
Several of us had dinner reservations arranged by Jim Stover, at the Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, UT. There are several things to know about the Grill. Foremost is that it is a world renown restaurant. Visitors from all over the world come to eat there and to even get reservations on a HUGE holiday is nearly impossible. A hungry group of 14 BMCU-ers had incredible meals. Words cannot begin to describe just how awesome the dinner and dessert was. Good job, Jim!
The Hell’s Backbone Grill is not really “near” Bryce, but “near” is a relative term. The good thing is that there is an amazing road that takes you the approximately 80 miles. That may sound like a long way to travel, but once you’ve traveled this road, you’ll want to do it again and again. The road winds the whole way and the scenery is jaw dropping. In fact, there is a section of the road that gives it it’s name, Hell’s Backbone. The road traverses the top of a hill. There are no shoulders. There is no guard rail to protect you from the 500’+ drop on either side!!! People have been known to stop at one of the few turnouts and call for someone to come and get them because they are so frightened of the height.
But, in a Little British Sports Car, this road is like Filet Mignon! It is a test of concentration and, all right, a bit of courage and perhaps a pinch of stupidity, to drive this road a wee bit faster than perhaps is prudent. I by no means suggest you should do this! It is a narrow, winding road with steep cliff drop offs.
The trip back to the hotel after dinner was the icing on the cake. A rainbow came out and went along side us a good portion of the way. And the light on the landscape was magnificent! Jim, your timing of dinner and the drive home was perfect!
The traditional “sing along” by Mike has now expanded; another banjo, and two more guitars. The guys made a quartet that would challenge any one. Good job, Mike, Drew, Robert, and “the Brit.” (Jim I think)
Monday morning people organized their various routes depending on when they needed/wanted to be home. As it turned out, 17 members, individually, decided to go to the small Cafe just west of the Bryce intersection for breakfast! Basically, we took over the place. I believe there was one other couple there that was not from the BMCU! Let me tell you about the pancakes this place makes. You only receive two of them, but they are about 3/4 – 1″ thick and about twelve inches in diameter!!! And GOOD! We will be back to that one for sure.
The trip home was uneventful other than the first third that was through open range. Yes, the cattle were on the road and no, they sometimes did not move. Because we took the back roads, we had little if any traffic until we reached Gunnison and then it was crowded to Nephi. Going the on the west side of Utah Lake got us back to the little or no traffic.
We can hardly wait for next year’s Tour. Where to? I don’t think it has been decided, yet. Have a suggestion? Let us know.
If you want some information about our Memorial Day tour, just check with one of the members wearing this years Tour t-shirt. I’m sure that we all will be ready to answer any questions you may have on any aspect of the Tour.
Roger D
