Success!

I finally figured out my web album problem and got it fixed! Go back to my blog about "Arches National Park" and subsequent blogs and see our pictures - they are awesome!

Moab Jeep Tour – Day 1

We moved from Arches National Park into a campground in Moab, Utah (2 miles down the road!) on Friday afternoon and joined our friends Mike & Lorraine (we met them at the Alfa Rally) for the Memorial Day week-end. Moab is the “Mecca” for off the road vehicles – ATV’s, dirt bikes and Jeeps of all kinds. We thought of our brother-in-law, Ray that loves to bike. It is the perfect spot for outdoor activities – you hardly see a car that does not have a bike rack; a canoe; a kayak; or a trailer with an ATV and everyone wears hiking boots!  Mike & Lorraine have a Jeep and so we went “off roading” with them yesterday. Oh my god! We are getting a lot more daring in our old age than we (or at least me) ever were!

Mike & I called it our “oh, shit!” day! He is experienced in driving these trails and they have a great book that describes all the trails in detail and rates them as easy, moderate or “foolish to even try” so we trusted him completely – until he said his first “oh, shit!” It was so much fun and the scenery is spectacular! You will definitely need to see these pictures to believe what we did!

The first drive took us back to Bull Canyon and then to two natural bridges –Gemini Bridges - we saw them from the bottom up and then drove up and saw them from the top down! Gorgeous! The road was narrow, bumpy and steep but not too scary. Then we went down a trail that takes you under a huge rock that has fallen and lays against the cliff and then becomes very, very steep and narrow. I think that’s where I started praying! After we survived that we enjoyed our picnic lunch along the Colorado River.

After lunch they took us to a place called “Potato Salad Hill” – how it got its name I can’t imagine. It is a steep(60 degrees at least!) rocky hill where daredevil Jeep drivers go to challenge nature. We sat on a side hill and watched these Jeeps try to crawl up or down this hill – praying they didn’t tip over backwards! All of them made it but I don’t know how they did it! Eventually, two guys showed up in what Roger called a “souped up homebuilt rock crawler” and zoomed right up it with no problem! Roger jokingly said - “what a show off, I’d like to see him do it backwards!” and honest to god, he did! I got a good video of him.

While we were there Mike met some guys he knows and they invited us to follow them on a couple moderate trails. So off we go on a really daring ride! First we had to let air out of Mike’s tires – to soften them so they would hold onto the rock better. Then we went up and down “Lion’s Back” and “Fins & Things.”  And when I say “up and down” I mean straight up and straight down huge rock formations. That’s when the “oh, sh…ts” really started! It was awesome! Mike & Lorraine have two Westies – Scottie and Maggie – Maggie spent part of the time on the floor in the backseat with her head under Mike’s drivers seat! There were times when I wanted to join her!

On our way back to Moab we passed part of the “Slickrock Trail” – a 9.6 mile mountain biking trail considered to be the ultimate mountain biking experience. We saw cyclists doing what we had just done in a Jeep on their bikes! Certainly, not the place for me!

The “Fiery Furnace”

We survived our hike into the “Fiery Furnace” on Friday! It is called that because when the sun shines on the red rocks it glows and looks like a fire. There are no marked trails and it is very easy to get lost in the dead end canyons and fins so they have 2 ranger led hikes a day – 2 miles total in about 3 hours. He stopped several times and talked about the geology; plants and animals – it was really interesting. There are more arches and beautiful rock formations there. The hike was exciting because we went up fins; crawled through crevices and narrow openings; jumped over big cracks in the rocks – a regular Olympics! At our last rest stop – under a huge arch called “Surprise Arch” because you don’t see it until it is looming above you – the ranger confessed it was his first solo guided tour into the Fiery Furnace! Everyone clapped and told him he did a great job – I told him I would clap when he actually got me out of there! One couple had their son with them – he was about 7-8 yrs old – he raised his hand and said “This has been a very enlightening hike!”

Still haven’t got my web album problem fixed so pictures will follow!

Negro Bill Canyon

We drove a scenic byway along the Colorado River as it flows near Moab, Utah today. Amazing how it has carved such beautiful canyons! We have talked with two groups of geology students here on field trips – one from Sam Houston University in Texas and one from Massachusetts – they are certainly in the right place for rocks!

We stopped and hiked in Negro Bill Canyon – 4.5 to 5 miles round trip – back to a natural bridge. It is the sixth longest in the states. It is an unusual trail for around here – it followed a clear bubbling stream! The trail actually crossed the stream several times and I had to stop and soak my feet in the cold water on our way back. We thought of Izetta – she always liked to put her feet in the water! When we reached the natural bridge we sat in the cool shade and ate our lunch. We had a special show to watch – several rock climbers were repelling down the adjacent cliff! They had reached the top of the bridge via another trail. It was lovely scenery but it was 90 degrees and I don’t care that it was “dry heat” – it was HOT! I was really pooped by the time we got back to the car and AC! We saw an appropriate T-shirt that had two skeletons sitting in lounge chairs and one says “yes, but it is a dry heat!”

Hope I have enough energy left for the “Fiery Furnace” tomorrow morning!!

We are moving to a private campground in Moab after our hike. Yeah, electricity, water & sewer – 3 of my best friends!

The Windows and Park Avenue

More exploring today (Wednesday)! We hiked to see “The Windows” - “Turret Arch” - “Double Arch” and “Park Avenue.” They are all just amazing and when you stop to think they were “created” millions of years ago it is hard to imagine. We sure have saved many beautiful scenes in our memories – will have them when we need a peaceful place to retreat to!
Megan read my blog about going on the ranger guided hike to “Fiery Furnace” and emailed us to “SKYPE them before we go – she wants to see our smiling faces one last time!”
We had to drive into Moab today to make some phone calls – our phones won’t work here in the park – and refill our portable propane tank. The nights are still cool! Problem is – it is 18 miles just to get out of the park!
I will probably need to hire a computer geek to fix my Picasa/Web Album problem. I have done all the troubleshooting I can from the “Help” menu but nothing has helped. Don’t understand how it can be working one minute and not the next!!
Roger was supposed to attend an FAA meeting for work in Long Beach, CA on June 2 but, it has been postponed indefinitely. Thank goodness, it would have been a real headache for him to get there and back from here in Moab. Our friends from the Alfa Rally are here, in town, and we are joining them for the week-end so it wouldn’t have been so bad for me if he had to leave but, glad he’s doesn’t have to go.
Stay tuned for my pix – they are awesome!

Devils Garden Trail

The park host told Roger that we couldn’t leave Arches without hiking the Devils Garden Trail all the way back to the Double O Arch. So…………..this morning we set out at 9am and returned about 1:30pm – about 5-6 miles. Oh my goodness! Those of you that really know me will not believe I did it! I can’t believe it myself – but I have pictures to prove it!

There are 6 arches to see if you take all the side trails along the way.  The first part of the trail is easy to moderate. As we walked we saw people way in the distance climbing a huge rock edifice – Roger said “look at the rock climbers ahead.” When we got to Landscape Arch (about half way) the sign said “Primitive Trail Ahead.” We had been on two pretty strenuous trails with Carlos & Megan so we thought “how hard can it be?” Well, we went a short distance further, the trail disappeared and the “cairns” were leading us up this steep rocky area – the same place we thought people were experienced rock climbers! We studied it for awhile and I finally decided if I put my hiking poles on my fanny pack I could crawl on my hands and knees to the top. One of my poles slipped out and fell down the cliff – Roger yelled “don’t try to catch it” – as if I was crazy enough to let go! We made it to the top and figured the worst was over. I couldn’t let myself think about going back down until I the time came! The trail took us through canyons over cliffs and across one long fin of rock about 5 feet wide! It was scary but so much fun! The scenery was awesome! I actually followed Roger down the steep cliff on the way back and didn’t have to slide on my butt! But, didn’t find my hiking pole!

We were talking about how great our hiking boots were at “sticking to the rock” and not slipping when two guys went running/jumping by us with flip flops on! We were also amazed at how many people take their small children on hikes like this – 3-4 year olds running along! Even the ones carrying their kids in backpacks were frightening to me! We were glad we did it early in the day – the trail was really crowded on the way back and it was nerve racking having people pass us on narrow ledges! We stopped and let people go first and then took our half out of the middle!

We are so proud of ourselves!!!

Dead Horse Point

It was 50 degrees and very windy today – that equals COLD – so we went on a driving tour to Dead Horse Point. The legend has it that cowboys herded wild horses into this natural coral, 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, and then sorted out the ones that were marketable. It was a natural coral because of the cliffs on three sides and a very narrow opening to the point. One time they left the undesirable horses there and they all died of thirst. I don’t have the vocabulary or the language skills to describe the panoramic vistas!

We also drove to the north entrance to Canyonlands National Park but did not explore the whole park – it is 527 square acres! We will see the Needles area on our way out of Moab.

We signed up for a ranger guided hike in the “Fiery Furnace” today – it was booked until Friday morning so we need to conserve our energy until then! It requires a guide because there is no trail and it’s easy to get lost in the canyons and rocks!

I’m having problems uploading pictures to my blog so stay tuned! The scenery is majestic!

Arches Trail

We planned to take a 3 mile hike in Bryce Canyon this morning but Roger hasn’t been feeling 100% so we hiked a shorter 1.5 mile trail in Red Canyon. The trail boasts “15 arches” but we only found 10 and weren’t willing to re-hike it to find the other 5!

The "Podunk" cabin is an updated model of one that the forest rangers used long ago. It got it's name from a Paiute Indian, named Po Dunk, who got lost in the canyonlands.

We left the Bryce Canyon area this morning and drove to Richfield, Utah on our way to Arches National Park. Got a neat picture of Roger and the motor home coming through the tunnel! The drive surprised us – very scenic – we followed the Sevier River through an expansive valley and then into a canyon that narrowed from about 10 miles wide to the width of the river and the road. It was definitely white water rafting country! We had to come this way to “tour” a Walmart!  We needed to refill prescriptions, buy over the counter meds and stock up on groceries – all the small “mom & pop” stores have been incredibly expensive -  Roger needed smelling salts when they gave him the total! I jokingly asked her if we got a prize for the most spent for the day and she said “oh no, people come from the surrounding rural areas, buy for a month and easily spend $1,000.00!” We got the oil changed in the car too. Will spend the night here – figure we paid the camping fee!

Bryce Canyon Tour

Our campground is about 14 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park – we drove to the park and then 18 miles to the farthest viewpoint and began our tour today. Rainbow & Yovimpa Points are at 9115 feet elevation. It was 42 degrees and windy but we hiked the Bristlecone Loop Trail despite the weather – up and over snow drifts to beautiful vistas! Then we began our descent back to the Visitors Center, stopping at all the scenic overlooks.
We thought we may be “max’d out” on canyons after the Grand Canyon and Zion but they are all so distinctive that each one has been wonderful. Bryce is not really a canyon but the edge of a high plateau that has been eroded by the river and the wind. Cliffs were eroded into thin peaks called “fins” – then the fins developed holes or “arches” – then the arches eroded leaving high columns called “hoodoos.”  Many of the hoodoo groups look like fairytale, sand castles. The rock is soft and crumbles easily so there is no standing on the edge of the cliffs around here! In many areas where the rock is light in color the hills look like the sand dunes in western Michigan. We love all the tall Ponderosa Pines around here.
We stopped and bought knit headband/ear warmers on our way home – a real fashion statement but, my ears were frozen this morning and we are going hiking tomorrow!

Congratulations, Megan!

Megan made the Dean's List with a 4.0! She is really enjoying her classes and worked really hard this semester! We are so proud of her - she has definitely found her passion!

Bryce Canyon

Our new “home” is in Red Canyon National Forest Campground. Another beautiful spot. Roger found this website where a couple camped at all the national forest campgrounds and wrote a book about them – giving specific information about length of sites; water etc. and their recommedations – the two we have stayed at have been wonderful.
Our first day at Bryce Canyon and we have to spend part of it at the laundromat and grocery store!
We have never seen so many rental campers as we have on this trip – Reserve America; RV4Rent; Cruise America; Road Bear RV; and El Monte RV – the majority, that we have talked with, are foreigners here for 3-6 weeks. One family told us El Monte RV is located in downtown Los Angeles and they went there from the airport! This area of the country certainly shows the magnificence of the United States! They have to be impressed!

The Zion Tunnel

You need to drive through a 1.1 mile tunnel in Zion National Park to get to the east side of the canyon and proceed on to Bryce Canyon. If you can't pass through the tunnel it is over 100 miles "around." The published height is 13.1 feet and our motor home measures 13.1 feet high. The rangers stop traffic and allow "big rigs" to travel down the middle of the tunnel which is higher. The ranger on duty when we entered the park sold us a "tunnel pass" and said "big buses and rigs go through there all the time, you won't have any problem." Roger asked several park rangers about the actual height in the middle of the tunnel and always got the standard published response "13.1." He was not about to take a chance until someone knowledgeable told him the actual height! Finally, he went to the visitor's center and asked the ranger to call "dispatch" and ask an expert! Answer - 15 feet! It was a "go." I followed in the car and tried to take pictures. Unfortunately, the front window was dirty!

Kayenta Trail and the Emerald Pools

We not only got up OK, we went hiking again on Saturday! The Kayenta Trail is a “moderate” trail that takes you around the rim of a peak for about 2 miles and then connects to other trails that lead to the Emerald Pools.  They are called the Emerald Pools because the algae/moss makes them appear green – but, they looked brown to us! The trail to the Upper Emerald Pool about did me in because it involved climbing up and over boulders but it was definitely worth it – a lovely cool area under the waterfall where we soaked our feet and cooled down! Then we hiked down – down is good! – to the Middle and then the Lower Emerald Pools. They are all lovely and cool with the mist from the waterfalls.

Carlos & Megan drove the scenic drive through the Zion tunnel and the east side of the canyon in the afternoon. Roger & I moved the motor home to dump and get more water. The four of us “max’d” out our tanks! Then we went into Springdale for dinner and came back and played cards. Megan had a perfect game of “Oh Hell” and put her scorecard on our bulletin board! She’s not about to be outdone by the granddaughters!

They brought us a Mexican feast – salsa, flour tortillas and HEB marinated chicken and beef fajitas – we stuffed ourselves! And then had breakfast tacos this morning to use up the tortillas.  

Carlos & Megan left for Las Vegas this morning (Sunday.) Carlos loves to play poker and Megan was heading to the spa and shopping. They had tickets to a show and will enjoy some nice restaurants before flying home on Wednesday. Carlos said he had had enough sun and needed some shade! We had such a great time with them – they keep us young!

We headed up the road to Bryce Canyon this morning. The elevation at the rim of the Grand Canyon is the base of Zion Canyon and the elevation at the rim of Zion Canyon is the base of Bryce Canyon. They say the temperature goes down about 20 degrees at each park – it was in the mid 80’s at Zion and it is 64 in Bryce this afternoon so I guess they’re right!

We are staying at another beautiful national forest campground – Red Rock – near Bryce Canyon. We have spent the day “laying low” and recuperating! We did stop at the visitor’s center and picked up some information to plan our days here but, that’s the most exercise we want to do – reading!

News from KL – Samantha has been accepted into the International School. They had to fill out a long questionnaire and then Samantha was interviewed/tested for 15 minutes all alone! When Heather asked her how it went she said “one part was kind of tricky.” They asked her to walk heel to toe in a straight line! Emily won’t “use her words” to talk with us but she waves and throws kisses!

Roger accidentally dropped our camera into the water at the Upper Emerald Pool – we dried it out and amazingly it seems to have survived! – so some of these pictures are from Carlos & Megan’s camera.

West Rim Trail and Angel’s Landing

We tackled the West Rim Trail to Angel’s Landing on Friday and I’m happy to report we all survived – I was “iffy” but, I did well! It is a strenuous 2.5 mile climb up about 1400 feet elevation to Scout Lookout. Then if you have the stamina and the NERVE you can climb the remaining half mile up a very steep cliff, across a 3 foot wide cliff – with a 1200 foot drop on one side and an 800 foot drop on the other side – then up another steep cliff to the top of Angel’s Landing! There are chains to hold on to but it was definitely scary! Megan really wanted to do it but Roger & I let the voice of reason convince us and Carlos had a knee brace on his left knee so he wasn’t real thrilled about trying it either – so, we convinced Megan not to go alone. Thank goodness, because I could not have watched and waited for her! We were resting on our way up and this couple stopped to talk with us – he told us they were climbing it the second time because last Thanksgiving when they got to the top a women had fallen and died and they closed the trail! Why he felt the need to tell us I don’t know but, I could have done without that story!

The trail begins at the Virgin River and climbs up one of the big peaks – many switchbacks! – and then you enter a beautiful canyon where the trail flattens out and the shade cools you  - and then you get to the “Wiggles” a series of 22 steep switchbacks that take you to Scouts Lookout. We ate our lunch up on top and then began our descent. It was difficult but Roger & I took our time and rested frequently – we actually completed the round trip in the average time of 4 hours.

We are excited that we did it! The big question is “will we be able to get out of bed in the morning?”

Zion Canyon Bike Ride

Carlos and Megan arrived on Wednesday afternoon and we went exploring on our bikes Thursday. We rode the shuttle bus to the Temple of Sinawava at the end of the canyon, unloaded our bikes and rode back down to the campground. It was a beautiful day - we packed our lunch and picniced at a scenic overlook. We stopped and hiked on the Riverside Trail; back to the Weeping Rocks and up to see the Court of the Patriarchs (a group of 3 peaks - Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.)
Going to tackle the Angel's Landing hike today!

A Day of Gratitude

Today is a day for us to be especially grateful for our many blessings.

#1 - Emily ate pasta with homemade pesto on it last night and had a severe allergic reaction. Heather thinks it was the pine nuts. Emily quickly got big red blotches all over her neck and face and was scratching her neck - her eyes got puffy but, she did not have any respiratory distress. They took her to a medical clinic that is about 5-10 minutes away from their house and the doctor treated her immediately with steroids and the reaction subsided. They will keep her on antihistamines for a few days and take her to her pediatrician in 2 weeks for testing. She has had other nuts before but not pine nuts. Thank goodness Heather was quick thinking with the Benadryl. What a scare!

#2 - Carlos & Megan flew into Las Vegas this morning to join us here at Zion Canyon. The 5:00 am flight was wide open so they figured they would have no problems. When they arrived at the airport there were 30 people on the list to fly free! Apparently SWA was having a "Spirit Day" in Vegas and many employees were going. Somehow they lucked out and got on the flight and will be here for a late lunch! The travel gods were with them!

#3 - I got my first Social Security check (actually, not a check but a direct deposit into my account) today! The correct amount on the correct day! Nice to know the government does some things right!

Brrrrrrr........

Forty two degrees and snowing this morning! All the tenters and pop-ups packed up and moved out! I felt guilty in our motorhome all dry and warm!

Zion Canyon National Park

We left beautiful Lake Powell and to another beautiful spot, Zion Canyon National Park, yesterday morning. We drove through the Paiute Nation this time. I drove and even had a chance to practice using the exhaust brake down some steep, winding descents! Yikes! We are camped within the park with “Watchman Tower” right out our front window. They have limited space and many visitors so private cars are not allowed in the park, except to the lodge and campgrounds – so everyone must ride the shuttle buses – which is OK with us – the ones at the Grand Canyon were great and we can put our bikes on the front. Roger took his bike to a shop in Springdale, a small town on the edge of the park, this morning to have the brakes fixed. This is not a place for the brakes to fail!!

Carlos and Megan are joining us Wednesday through Sunday. We are really looking forward to spending some time with them. Our plan is to explore today and make hiking and biking plans for the next few days. There is a chance of rain tomorrow but the rest of the week is supposed to be sunny and in the 70’s – thank you weather gods! Roger was supposed to attend an FAA meeting, for work, in Long Beach, on Thursday but it has been postponed until June – bad news for the company, but great news for us!

I have been reading about all the different hiking trails – here is one description: “The Narrows, with its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, an d hanging gardens can be an unforgettable experience.” Sounds great, huh? But, here’s the rest: “It is not, however, a trip to be underestimated. Hiking the Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River (key word “in.”) At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is very cold, and the rocks underfoot are slippery. Flash flooding and hypothermia are constant dangers.”  Just the hike for us, don’t you think? Too bad it is closed due to high water!

We "talked" with Emily on SKYPE - she has new "tricks" - she can point to her hair, ears, eyes, nose, mouth and her belly button! Heather says her favorite word is "stuck" - if she is in her high chair and she wants down she says "stuck!" She waves "hi" and "bye" now too! Can't wait to see them in August!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of our "Mom" friends and family! I love this toast to women:
To Good Woman
May you know them
May you be them
May you raise them
May your sons marry them!

Antelope Canyon

Everyone on the raft trip yesterday told us we could not leave Page, AZ without touring Antelope Canyon so we booked a tour this morning. Oh my gosh! The most awe inspiring place I have ever been! The canyon is on the Navajo Nation and you must have a Navajo guide. They started allowing the public to tour the canyon around 1997. It seems almost sacred. We were fortunate to be in a group of only 6. Our Navajo guide – a women about our age was wonderful – she told us about the Navajo tribe and her youth – plus she was great in helping us take pictures inside.

The Navajo language is a spoken language only – they have no signs or letters – if it is written it is done with English letters. It reminded us of the Navajo Code Talkers, we met in Albuquerque, that were used during the Korean and Second World War. Many of the Navajo words have several meanings depending on how your pronounce them – so you can get into trouble easily if you do not speak it well! During her childhood most of the children were only educated when they were young – as soon as they got big enough to work they helped the family “farm.” There were no schools on the reservation, so children that were educated were sent to live with Mormon families in town. She said she was a very quiet child so her parents thought she was dumb and not worth sending to school so they kept her home to tend the sheep. They eventually allowed her to join a host family and go to school. This family moved to California and she went with them. When she graduated she came back to her “roots” but, many of the educated never returned. There are now schools in Page – the Navajo children catch the bus at 5:30am and return around 8:00pm from their day at school – it is at least a 50 mile one way journey. One of the mesas in the area is named after her grandfather who was an interpreter while they were building the dam and the town of Page. The town started because of the dam project but, because it was out in the middle of nowhere, no one wanted to live here. So the “powers that be” decided to give free land and a promise of no taxes (ever) to any church that was built here – there are 14 different denomination churches along the main street in Page and eventually the town grew!

Roger says Antelope Canyon reminded him of Petra – a similar canyon in Jordan – where one of the “Indiana Jones” movies was filmed. He toured it on a camel! Petra is narrower and eventually opens up into a large “room like” canyon. The Romans dug out troughs in the sides of the rock canyon walls and channeled water into the city. Bedouins (nomadic tribes in the middle east) still live there.

It has been beautiful weather here in Lake Powell for the past two days but this evening the wind is picking up and the sand is blowing – here we go again!

I’m afraid the Spurs are about done in the NBA playoffs – those Suns are simply outplaying them!  Tired of watching the “Steve Nash Show.”

Lake Powell

We left the Grand Canyon yesterday morning and drove east to Cameron and then on into Page, AZ and Lake Powell. We had planned to visit the north rim of the canyon but the road is closed until the end of May. We enjoyed our first family vacation with the Eddy’s about 26 years ago (Joel was just a baby!) in this area – took our first houseboat trip on Lake Powell, so there a lots of good memories here. We are camped on Lone Rock Beach – right near the water – you can “dry camp” anywhere on the beach – just don’t get stuck in the sand!

The trip between the canyon and here was lovely – through the Navajo Nation, the Little Colorado River Canyon and the Painted Desert. Mostly downhill, you can practically “coast” all the way! We stopped in Cameron, AZ at the Trading Post – Mike & Lorraine told us they had the best “fry bread” – it is a Native Indian food – bread dough, fried in grease – puffs up like a bumpy, pancake. “When in Rome…..” - so we had Navajo Tacos for lunch – fry bread with hamburger & pinto beans, lettuce, cheese, green chilis and hot sauce on top. Not bad! I found some really cute Native Indian dolls for Samantha & Emily, a T-shirt for Roger and a new sweatshirt jacket for me – all in all a good shopping stop!

We took a river raft trip from Page to Lee’s Ferry yesterday afternoon. We rode a bus from Page through a 2 mile tunnel and then down to the river – no public access – but we ended up at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam – WOW it is mammoth!  No white water just a leisurely float down through the canyon. They stopped about half way so we could hike back and see the petroglyphs on the cliff side. This is the time of the year for children’s school trips so there were several rafts full of kids – our driver was glad to have senior citizens – he said the group he had the day before was more interested in going fast and beating the other raft than any scenery! I put my feet in the water – a Lake Superior like experience! But, there were kids swimming!

They frequently see California Condors in this area but no luck yesterday. They were almost extinct but researchers started a “double harvest” program that has increased their population to around 300. All the condors have big number tags – we met hikers on the Bright Angel Trail that had seen #33!

Lee’s Ferry is the only spot in hundreds of miles where you can actually cross the Colorado  River. The ferry was operated by the Mormons from the early 1800 to 1900’s until the first bridge was built. It is the “point of no return” if you go downstream – you’re committed to running the rapids through the Grand Canyon. It was fascinating to watch the large group get ready to leave on what I’m sure is the adventure of a lifetime! You can take 3 to 22 day “cruises” – on the 3 day trip you walk 9 miles up Bright Angel Trail to get out! I’m afraid “fear” would override “exhilaration” for me so Roger is on a mission to find someone else to do the trip with him - anyone interested give him a call!

The return trip to Page is through the Navajo Nation. You see many small octagon shaped buildings - “hut” like – called “hogans.” There are male, female and ceremonial hogans. They have no interior walls, the doors always face the east, few if any windows, and you must walk clockwise while inside. Sometimes they are lived in but mostly they are now only used for ceremonies. The Navajo’s are a matriarchal society so the women rule! Typically, the Navajo dwellings have no water or electricity. They buy water at “watering stations” in town and fill up large 500 gallon containers as their only source of water for their family and livestock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

t-shirt for

Bright Angel Trail

Roger did not want to leave the park without hiking on the Bright Angel Trail. This is the parks most popular trail going down into the canyon to Indian Garden and then on to Phantom Ranch. We hiked about a mile - it is steep and narrow in many spots but we enjoyed the challenge. We met a couple about our age with big back packs on their way back from Phantom Ranch – they were on the trail 4 days and 3 nights camping – carried all their food, water, clothing and camping gear! They said it was arduous but they were glad they did it – and survived! She had had 2 hip replacements! It was in the mid 70’s at the rim of the canyon yesterday afternoon and 105 at Indian Gardens! They told of others down at Phantom Ranch that were not doing well and were worried about how they were going to get out. One man was trying to hire a mule to carry his wife out and was told he needed to hike out and come back with a mule train and an extra mule for her! They do have a helicopter pad for extreme emergencies. There is a sign at the beginning of the trail that tells the story of a young woman, a Boston Marathon runner, that died in the canyon in 2004. She and a companion left for what they thought was a 15 mile hike – without a map – actually were on a 27 mile long trail – they ran out of water – the temperature in the bottom of the canyon was 105 degrees and she died of dehydration. Scary stuff!
We have to leave this place tomorrow and get some rest! Megan and Carlos are meeting us in Zion National Park next week and we have to have enough energy to keep up with them! But, what a wonderful week we have had here in this awesome national park!

Good Morning Grand Canyon

We are crazy! We got up at 4:30am to see the sunrise in the Canyon! With wind and a 35 degree temperature it was a real committment for me!

Good Night Grand Canyon

We just can't get enough of this place! We went back to the park this evening to watch the sunset behind the cliffs. An elk walked across the road in front of our car on the way home!

Grand Canyon – Day Three - “Bike Day”

We are amazed at the number of foreign visitors in the park. It seems like English is the exception rather than the rule! There are many rented campers and tour buses from all around the country. Glad they are spending their money in the US!

My butt was bothering me last night, after a day of hiking, but Advil, ice and rest have me feeling well this morning.

We took our bikes today to tour the western end of the park. It is the only area where bikes are allowed on the rim trail – for about 3 miles – and then you can ride on the road. I’m usually not comfortable riding on the roads but no cars are allowed on this route, only the shuttle buses, and they run about every 15-20 minutes so we had the road to ourselves most of the time. The shuttle bus has a bike rack so we rode it to the farthest western point – Hermits Rest – and rode back to the car. It was about 12 miles but with frequent scenic overlooks it didn’t seem that long – unless we were going up a hill! It was awesome and so much fun – but we were “pooped” at the end! We stopped at the Bright Angel Lodge for a cold beer and salsa & chips and then came home for a nap!

Spurs

It is not easy keeping up with the Spurs when you are out in the wilderness! They played the late game last night on TNT. It didn't start until after 8pm and I had to turn the generator off at 10pm. Missed the best part of the game - the last quarter - but the Suns were out playing them anyway! Hope they figure out what to do with Steve Nash on Wednesday night!

Grand Canyon - Day Two

We hiked about 5 miles along the rim trail today. It was gorgeous weather and scenery! I can't begin to describe it and the pictures I take can't do it justice.
We have seen wildlife - a bobcat ran across the road in front of our car as we entered the park; we saw a mule deer on the trail; and elk "napping" near the visitor center. We stopped and sat on a bench along the trail just to enjoy the view. We were drinking water and snacking on some nuts when I felt something in my lap and it was a squirrel! Scared the hell out of me! Guess he smelled the nuts!
We are amazed at the people who walk/climb out to the very edge of the canyon! We need to ask a ranger how many people fall off each year! One lady was standing on the very edge of a rock outcrop, totally distracted, with her back to the cliff, talking on her cell phone! One young couple were out on the edge and she was jumping up and down as her boyfriend took a video! And last but not least - a man was playing "tag" with his little girl - about Samantha's age, on the inside side of the trail, when she suddenly ran across the trail and toward the rim he said "Don't go to far!" but made no move to go get her! The park can't protect people from their own stupidity!
Roger is intrigued by the Bright Angel Trail that leads down to the canyon floor and the Phantom Ranch. He would love to hike down it - he just hasn't figured out how he can get back up it! You can see it wind its way down the cliffs and across the mesa. Looking at it is enough for me!

Grand Canyon

We are at the majestic Grand Canyon! We were at the north rim about 24 years ago but have never been to the south rim. We are staying at a lovely national forest campground, just south of the entrance to the park, in Tusayan, AZ. Would you believe $5.00/night! Quiet and peaceful and you can hear the wind blowing through the pine trees. We were the first campers of the season – the campground just opened May 1.

It was cold (in the 40’s and windy with snow flurries) today so we saw the IMAX film about the canyon and then took the scenic Desert View Drive to the far eastern end. There is a high tower there – you can climb the inside stairs and get great – warm! – views of the canyon. We stopped at several look out points along the way and were awed at all of them. No words to describe its beauty!

Sunset Crater Volcano and Walnut Canyon

It was cold – in the 40’s – but sunny and not very windy so we went exploring today. Sunset Crater Volcano exploded around 1064 A.D. and the destruction is still very evident. Can you imagine how frightened the Indians must have been? They probably figured they had really upset the gods! The ground around the area looked like a mammoth plow had churned black earth but it was hard rock.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a unique area with numerous cliff dwellings on both side of the canyon. Archeologists think they may have lived on the sunny side in the winter and the shady side in the summer. They farmed up on the mesa and their water source was a river at the bottom of the canyon – lots of climbing up and down! We took the Island Trail that looped around the canyon – 240 steps up & down – who would have thought I’d be able to do it after my fall! The trail allows you to see and enter the dwellings – fun to imagine life as it was back then!