When we left Nevada the temperature was already pushing 90. When we pulled into the park there was snow on the ground. It was melting... But snow.
The weather was actually perfect while we were there, upper 60's/ lower 70's during the day and 30-40's at night.
We arrived kind of late in the day, so after we found our campsite we made our way to the rim. There were a few snowballs flying a long the way. And it turned out that it was more of a hike than we thought to the Visitors Center. It was closing as we walked up. So, we did what all the other 5 million visitors a year do and went to Mather Point for our first glimpse.
Nothing can really prepare you for your first look at something so incredibly immense. The scale is unfathomable. There were several times I heard children ask if it wasn't really just a picture. I thought it myself. It's just so very vast. And spectacular. We are so lucky too because while we were there the sky was clear. A lot of the time there is a haze the hangs in between the rims.
We walked along the rim and stopped at the geology museum where we learned about the Canyon's formation. There was so much information; 3-D models, lookout points with reference markers, hands on activities.
I was surprised by how 'Disney' the place was. Between shuttle buses and gift shops and restaurants our little family was overwhelmed. It wasn't until the next day when we left the bus drop off point and hiked the rim trail did we really get somewhat of the experience we were expecting. A huge portion of the Canyon's visitors use the shuttle system to go from stop to stop and never wander down the trail. Some can't, for others it's just not their thing. I feel like if you can, you should because then you can really feel what the Canyon has to offer. You can just be.
But I digress...
On day 2 we were able to get to the visitor's center and Coco picked up her Junior Ranger book.
After an awesome picnic on the rim we went back to the campsite where she got to work. Homeschooling at its finest I tell you. She is completely immersed in the environment. You can not get that in a classroom.
Our last day we took the Desert View Drive. We stopped at the Tusayan Museum and Ruin and then the Desert View Tower.
As a side note, most of the architecture from the 1920's was designed by a woman architect. Unheard of at the time.
Coco earned her Junior Ranger Badge. And I mean earned. They don't just give those things out. Which I think is great.
We had to change campsites, and when we pulled up to our new site we had neighbors, of the wildlife variety. Five elk were taking their own respite not 25 feet away while we had an afternoon cup of coffee. A herd of deer wanted to join the party, but were denied by one of the elk. Pretty damn cool.
We weren't able to hike down inside the canyon this time, so when it was time to check out we were ready.
Still amazed by the number of people that were there. And if/when we do it again, we will approach the Canyon from a different location while looking up at the rim.
I'm so glad we took the time and went out of our way. Everyone should see it for themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment