Hello from the Grand Canyon ~ North Rim! Last year on our way thru the north rim was already closed for the season so we only got to see the south rim for a day before we got snowed out. This year, about a month earlier we have had incredible weather, mid 70's during the day and 40's at night. Starting to get a bit cold but perfect for hiking. Internet/cell service was almost nonexistent except for a few places along the rim of the canyon. Luckily, we found one spot we could stream our church service so we set up our chairs and had the most beautiful sanctuary around us!
Later that day we hiked to Bright Angel Point, which had the most amazing views! It literally was a point on rim with the canyon straight down on both sides. No guard rails, so not for the folks afraid of heights!
Then over the the lodge area where they also had some overlooks but safer with rails this time. At the lodge we saw my mom and dad...just kidding! But, boy did it look like them from behind, even down to the navy hat!
We were surprised at how many flowers were still blooming. We heard its been a warm season which might be why we're seeing them instead of the Aspens changing color.
The next day we were off on our journey but not before getting a few "to dos" done.
Loved that they had a post office right at the lodge...Susan I hope your card makes it in time for your birthday!🎂
Had to get a little work time in but then off to do more hiking!!
We drove to Cape Royal and then hiked to Angel's Window. It's amazing seeing these geological formations and wondering how they happened. Can you see the Colorado River thru the window? Cool shot!
Cape Royal was another point that I was glad they had some guard rails, especially on the narrow part!
A combo of cactus and flowers made these trails just as pretty when you couldn't see the canyon.
Lots of opportunities for photo shoots...
Time for a little lunch break and a great panoramic shot of the canyon.
On to one of my favorite trails in the park, Cliff Spring Trail. We always talk to the rangers to see what they recommend and this one did not disappoint! Oddly enough we even ran into the ranger we had asked about trails the day before on this trail. I guess she really did like it!
The views were even more spectacular in these narrow parts of the canyon with more pines and the cliff overhang. Interesting that even in this drier season the springs were still dripping water.
More unique flowers to be found, some even growing from the ceiling of the cliff.
My strong man clearing those boulders out of the way for me!😁
On to Roosevelt Point for more overlooks of the canyon. I found this interesting survey mark at the end of the point from 1903. Must be that big fine that has kept it here all these years!
Last stop for the day was Point Imperial. It has the highest elevation of the north rim at 8803 above sea level.
Dinner at the lodge that night and Dave with the famous burro, Brighty. Burros had been used to haul supplies in and out of the canyon before the current day mules. It is believed that if you rub Brighty's nose it will bring you good luck! I was already lucky not having to cook that night! 😉
While we didn't see a lot of wildlife in the park there were several mule deer that were by the campground including this inquisitive one saying "hello".Day 4 and more hiking, which is pretty much what there is to do here. The north rim is the least visited side of the park and far less people than the south rim. If you love being in nature and "getting away fro it all", this is your place.We did the Transept trail from the campground to the lodge which offered some beautiful views of the canyon and some flowers along the way.A cozy alcove under the lodge that offered a spot to sit and take it all in. Not a bad view!
Time to stop in at the Rough-rider's Saloon, with smiles from Dave and Teddy! Remember those prickly pear cactus...they make for a tasty mule too.😀
No shuttle buses here at the north rim so back on the trail to get back to the campground. This time we took the Bridle path which was a little less strenuous than the transept trail. It was good to see Phoebe again!
Our final day we hiked down into the canyon on the North Kaibab trail...but not all the way down, of course! We went about 1000 feet down and followed the path the mules take. I can only give this trail a 4 star review...it was a bit smelly! We did start to see signs of fall as the few oak trees were starting to turn. Speaking of turns, man did we do a lot of switch backs on our way down!We got to Coconino Overlook, which was our goal. We were feeling pretty good about ourselves until this guy passed us and he said he started at the south rim that morning!! That is around 23 miles away and about the total we've done in 5 days...and we thought we were doing so well! 😆
If you were wondering if we're wearing the same clothes as yesterday the answer would be "yes". No hook ups at all at the campground so we are conserving laundry and water! Dave did get a new shirt that seemed very fitting as we headed back up the canyon. Good thing there were some great photo ops along the way to stop and catch our breath.Because it was another suggestion from the ranger I had to do one more hike on the Wilforss trail before calling it "done". Dave stayed in the truck but I was glad I got to do at least part of it. More like the hikes in the Smokies it was wooded and offered more serene environment plus a great glimpse of the canyon from another spot.To end our time we watched the sunset from the lodge balcony and lounge. Even at 6:30pm it was already in the 50's and the wind was feeling more like the 30's! The pictures, of course don't do it justice but the color on the side of the canyon was magnificent. The sunset itself didn't amount to much but it still was an amazing way to complete our time in the canyon. Thanks for reading all the way to end, this was a long one!
