Grand Canyon

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Since Sammy has already posted about our trip to the Grand Canyon, this post shouldn't be lengthy. As I mentioned earlier, we heard the north rim of the canyon was less crowded and, perhaps, more spectacular. That is the direction we headed. There really did seem to be fewer crowds than what I imagine were at the south rim. We traipsed our way along a clifftop path to a spectacular viewpoint. Once again, they could have used way more handrails than provided. We would stop and "pull over" when passing somebody coming the opposite direction. None of us were used to the elevation and had to take it slow just to keep our breath. It was an overcast and hazy day. Which was good for not having to hike in the sun, but not so good for pictures. We drove to a higher elevation and were able to catch a glimpse of the Colorado river winding it's way through the base of the canyon. Gorgeous! To get to this viewpoint, we had to travel a road not designed for vehicles over 30' long. Good thing we were only 29.73' long. One curve was so bad, there was a roadside mirror used to verify nothing was coming the opposite direction so you can turn while using the whole road. When I use the term road, I am using it loosely. There wasn't a shoulder most of this "road". The side of the "road" was either a drop-off with no visible bottom or mountainside with rocks or brush protruding into our traveling space. Sammy, with his superior maneuvering skills, managed to ascend and descend unscathed. This while dodging mini-vans which liked our lane as much as their own. The highways to and from the grand canyon are the ones that go for miles and miles of nothingness. Not sure if nothingness is a word or not, but most of you will understand what it means. Time to get a phone signal and try to find a place to park for the night. We ended up back in Utah at the Temple View RV park. We have been very luckly with campgrounds and this one was no exception. Next stop: Hoover Dam.

Lots of forest fire evidence in around park

Sammy with his homemade European Shoulder Bag filled with water bottles