I’ve been putting off writing this post, because what can you possibly say about the Grand Canyon (AZ) that hasn’t already been said?
I’ve seen it now a few times – the first when I was five – and every single time it takes my breath away. I’ll happily go back over and over again.
A couple notes: I assumed (stupidly) it would be relatively quiet in October, but, surprise! Everyone else had the same thought, including a steady stream of Germans, Japanese, and French. I was the American dodging all of them, grumpily muttering, “Who are all these people and why are they here at my Grand Canyon?”
Sigh. But still, the weather was cool and hikeable, and when I got away from Mather and Bright Angel Points, the crowds diminished and I was able to find some solitude. For a bit, anyway. At one point I was sitting on a rock just off an overlook trail, and a woman in her 60’s shouted from the trail behind me, “Are you here alone, sweetie?”
It took me a minute to realize she was hollering at me, but finally I turned to see her standing there, gripping the railing as if she were about to leap over and rescue me from what was surely a suicide mission. I explained I wasn’t alone, but that Sam the Wonder Pup was in the car, and that I’d be returning to him momentarily.
She seemed sort of relieved, though still unconvinced I wasn’t about to leap off the rock and plummet to my death. Apparently single women don’t sit in silence overlooking a steep drop without some sort of death wish. She asked me a few more questions, trying to suss out my mental state, then finally left me in silence.
But mostly the visit was, ahem, grand. Sadie, Sam, and I stayed at the Grand Canyon Camper Village, just a mile from the South Rim entrance. It’s not fancy, but it was clean, quiet, inexpensive, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I’ll stay there when I go back. The town of Tusayan, where the campground is, doesn’t have much in the way of fine dining, but there was a decent pizza joint and an Asian restaurant within walking distance, as well as an IMAX theater that had an awesome film about the Grand Canyon.
Now for a few photos:
The canyon averages 10 miles wide and is a mile deep and 277 river miles long. Grand indeed.
Tiny tourists for scale.
An irresistible sunset.
Does anyone know what type of bird this is?
So many different and beautiful rock formations.
Bright Angel Lodge at sunset.
Peter contemplating the vastness.
Chillin’.
That cloud looked like a giant, fluffy cake to me, but it was approaching dinner time.
I took this shot in the morning from Bright Angel Trail.
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Sorry it’s been a while since commenting. I’ll try to make up for that by answering your questions.
1. Nothing. It’s all been said. So what. We like how you say it.
2. Who cares. You share. That’s what counts.
3. Okay that qualifies as a stupid question. Obviously she’s there with you. Duh! Seriously?
Happy travels!
Bob – Welcome back! I’m not sure if you’ll see this response, but if you do, how do you feel about the photos format? I’m not sure if it’s obvious that if you click on one of the small shots it opens up the slideshow to see the larger versions. I like it, instead of a long trail of photos down the page, but maybe it’s not as easy. Would love an opinion (from anyone reading this, by the way.) Regardless, thanks for commenting! Hope you’re having a wonderful fall.
When I saw your post last night I caught the other format and it wasn’t obvious to me (at all) that I could click on them to see them larger. I admit I was relieved to come back and see the longer list of photos with the captions. Your captions are really entertaining!
Manisha recently posted…showcasing the paint job
Manisha – Duly noted, and thank you!
Oh, I so love it…. “obviously I’m not alone *anymore*!” I agree – I could go to the Grand Canyon over and over again. Have you been to the North Rim? It’s so different from the southern rim. Hard to get there but certainly worth the trip.
Terri recently posted…Little Things for Which I am Thankful
Terri – You’re definitely not alone, ha. I do love the North Rim, but it was closed when I was there. Too bad. Next time I go I’d love to see it again.
Could have been a Western bluejay! Love these photos!
Thank you twice, Susan!
So beautiful! The photos make me feel like I am there! Good work, Deonne!
Thank you, Donna! So glad you could feel a bit of the experience through the photos.
All the photos are beautiful, but the last one – in black and white – is really stunning.
Thank you, Martha. I’m partial to that one, too.
Beautiful photos and it’s been so long since I’ve been there. I’ll relive the memories through your eyes.
Mom – I’m glad I could bring it back to you. It truly is a singular, gorgeous place.
I love the new way you organized the photos on the page. Makes them much more striking! I love the black and white one you took. Kind of spooky, or is ethereal the word? You have a great eye for photo taking.
Thank you, Terri! I’d go with spooky on that one. : )
Lovely photos. I’m glad to know about the campground. May head on up there with my Aliner!
Emilie Vardaman recently posted…Bisbee’s Day of the Dead
Thank you, Emilie! Yes, check out the campground. You really can’t beat the location.
Your photos are lovely and I am so glad you didn’t jump! hahaha
Sherry in MT recently posted…Bozeman Training & Hike
Sherry – That made me laugh out loud! And thank you for the kind words.