April 20
Once we reached the Grand Canyon and set up camp we immediately headed out for our first view of the canyon, and ohhhh what a view. Everything we remembered from 30 years ago, our last time here at the canyon.
These photos were taken at Mather Point.
First view of the Colorado River
It was a little cool up there!
April 21 - Happy Birthday Terri!
This morning we headed out early to check out the southeast rim off Desert View Drive. The photos below were taken at the following points: Tusayan Ruins, Desert View, Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point, Grandview Point and Yaki Point.
Tusayan Ruins - tree ring dates construction of the Tusayan Pueblo began ~ a.d. 1185. Buildings and artifacts are typical of the ancestral Puebloan culture.
What the village would have looked like.
Next Stop, the Watchtower at Desert View.
Inside the Watchtower
Can you spot the Colorado River?
Desert View
Close to the "edge" view
River View
Desert lizard
Rafters on the river -- a long way away from us
Moran Point
Notice the flat green Horseshoe Mesa
Yaki Point Views
On our way back to camp, we spotted this Mule Deer wandering around the lodge.
Then heading out to watch the sun set, we spotted this elk on the roadway forging in the bushes.
Then we bared extensive cold winds to watch the sun set over the Grand Canyon.
Awesome!!
Breathtaking!
April 22
Today we headed out to the southwest rim on the Grand Canyon shuttle. The shuttle allows you to get on and off at your leisure. Since it was the rim trail we hiked about 4-5 miles today on the short hikes and rode the shuttle where the hikes were longer. We hit every stop on the west rim: Trailview, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mojave Point, the Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point and Hermits Rest. Also on our hike today we spotted a gray fox and some violet-green sparrows. No pictures; they were too quick moving.
Trailview Overlook - one of many trails to the bottom
Maricopa Point
Powell Point
Hopi Point
Mojave Point
Hiking Trail
Yes, very close to the edge!!
The Abyss
Pima Point
Hermit's Rest
This next set of pictures was taken near and around Grand Canyon Village.
Tovar Lodge
Grand Canyon Railroad Depot
Well that concludes our trip to the Grand Canyon. While the pictures you see are beautiful there is nothing that can compare to standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, looking out over the huge vastness of the landscape, and trying to comprehend what powerful forces took place here many, many millions of years ago.
Till next week...
