Grand Canyon tails.

We've been spending our time on the South Rim, trying to get sick of the Grand Canyon. If at first you don't succeed, hike, hike again.

The first time I saw the Canyon (February 2009) I wept. Racking sobs. I know I am not the only one. You other Canyon Criers, 'fess up.

We stopped here for lunch, and I wondered "Am I really living this life?"

My favorite hike so far (Merikay and Craig would call it a stroll, but would say it kindly) is the unpaved rim trail between Mojave Point and Monument Creek Vista. The unpaved part is the only section that seems like a true hike, insofar as you might expect a hike to include raw terror and clinging to trees.



In my defense, that edge you see just below me is THE edge, and it really does bank downward. I was clammy most of the day.

I got clammy later trying to decide what pictures to show you. I took 200 yesterday, and 150 this morning before 8 AM. Sit back, and say goodbye to your bandwidth.

Does this elk make my butt look big?

After this encounter, we imagined Gaelyn, a Parks Service ranger, shaking her head and saying "You guys." Honest, we did NOT approach the elk, although it's possible the very act of observing him changed everything. Schrödinger's Elk.

 

This pdf will help you plan a trip. I had no idea there were so many options for getting here! Your interagency pass will get you in. Once inside, ride the shuttle as much as you want. Or, $25 for seven days. Come in before hours and you get in free.

We've done a combination of walking and bus-riding to get where we want to go. After hugging the rim, watching lightning, and counting the Mississippis until we heard the thunder (and the answering echo from the Canyon), we finally opted for the safety of the bus and a stroll around Hermit's Rest.

This morning we were both awake and restless at the same time (4:13 AM). We considered it an opportunity to see the sunrise.

And this is the hindquarters of my story. The tail end.