Day 48 of 63 and we are settled into one of my least favorite campgrounds of the trip.... but who cares when it's next door to the most fabulous canyons in the world. But I'm ahead of myself. Didn't have Wi-Fi or TV the last couple of days so I am behind in my blogging. Hope you missed me!
After Page, we journeyed on to Jacob Lake located 37 miles north of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I chuckled when another traveller asked the campground host, "what's there to do in town" and her reply was a non-plussed, "there is no town!" But the campground was reminiscent of the East Coast in that we had tall, tall pine trees and lovely pine aroma surrounding us. We drove to the North Rim through acres and acres of burned out forest (last year's fires) but then on to meadows full of bison! The herd is about 300 and I guess we saw about 1/2 of them - lots of babies too.
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| North Rim Bison |
We were pleasantly surprised by the N. Rim facilities. The main lodge is huge with stone and log construction and large canyon-facing windows as well as a deck with actual
wood adirondack chairs. The canyon is...well... GRAND! We are not up to hiking in a big way, but did venture down to a couple of "viewing" areas and down one
relatively easy trail. It was an overcast day so my photos do not do justice to the incredible views. I'll just post a couple here.
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| North Rim View |
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| Deep, Deep Canyon! |
We had to drive about 175 miles to get from North to South rim, but happily there are Navajo vendors set up by the side of the road about every 20 miles or so..... so we indulged our shop-aholism and purchesed items for ourselves as well as doing a fair bit of Christmas shopping. (no, we did not stop at every one!) Some vendors seem to buy from some import giant and re-sell.... same jewelry, same "line". But then there are folks who have quality merchandise, often times working at their craft right at their booth. So it was the typical
buyer beware scenario. We also traversed an area known as "The Vermillion Cliffs". Unfortunately, the clouds were gathering and
vermillion was just
dull clay.
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| Not so vermillion cliffs... |
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| Typical Navajo Vendor's Stand |
On our way through the East side of the park we visited the Desert View visitor center and the Watchtower. It was my first Grand Canyon view and it did take my breath away. During our visit, we saw the first rain in 41 days (yes, I've been counting) and also saw an incredible light show as the lightning struck over the canyon and the thunder reverberated on the canyon walls.
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| Desert View Watchtower |
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| Colorado River in Canyon |
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| Best shot yet! |
As we left the parking lot to head "home" we spotted this little fellow on one of the desert blooming plants....
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| Beautiful green hummer... |
As I write this morning, I'm hearing helicopters fly over, one after another so I guess the tourist business is alive and well. Since all the helicopter tours run around $200+ we shan't be doing that! Maybe Jeremy could fly over from Ft. Campbell and give his Mom a tour??? Call it a stroke of luck, serendipity, or just plain ole good neighborliness, Pam was walking Mr. Hobbs this morning, struck up a conversation with some folks, took their group photos for them and they asked if we might like to "help them out" by taking some of their "leftover food". They have to turn in their rental RV today as they are flying back to Switzerland. Pam said, "sure" and then next thing she knew we were the recipients of frozen hamburger, steaks, chicken, bacon and then a plastic container full of spices, oils, vinegars, wine glasses, paper products etc. All-in-all, probably $75 worth of groceries! A great way to begin the day, for sure. Well, gotta go.... lots to see and do.
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