Hi, everyone!
We made it! We had our first peek into the beautiful abyss. It is everything I dreamed it would be. It's impossible to describe how beautiful it is and how small it makes one feel. A few stats: It's about 277 miles long and up to 18
miles wide. It 
averages 1 mile deep. The Colorado River has been slicing through the rock here for millions of years. There is a rim trail that can be easily traversed by even the oldest folks, trust me.
Many people go hiking, at least a ways down into the canyon.I saw a sign that said 250 people a year are rescued from the canyon. Most suffer heat exhaustion and dehydration. We met a 50-something couple emerging from Bright Angel trail this morning. They each carried 35-40 lb. packs on their backs. They had been "down there" hiking for 6 days. I commented on how fresh they looked considering their adventure and the gentleman said, "just don't stand down wind of us."
Some of you may remember when BC student Manson Owens died while hiking here. His story, along with many others who died here, is recounted in a popular book sold in the gift shops here.
We drove about 17 miles yesterday evening to witness the sunset from Moran Point. I've posted a couple of pics, but somehow mine aren't as dramatic as those you see on postcards. We spent this morning touring the historic buildings here. Most were built around 1901-1910. The El Tovar Hotel, built of pine logs stands sentinel on the rim of the canyon. On the walls inside, mounted moose and deer stare down at you. I'm sure Teddy Roosevelt slept here.
Another coincidence.....at a previous campsite, Turquoise Trail, outside of ABQ, we talked with a couple from Vermont. They said that they, too, were heading to Grand Canyon. Guess who is two campsites down from us? They are really nice. She left out this morning on an overnight mule trip down into the canyon. He's not so adventurous.
Enough for now. Thanks for following.
We made it! We had our first peek into the beautiful abyss. It is everything I dreamed it would be. It's impossible to describe how beautiful it is and how small it makes one feel. A few stats: It's about 277 miles long and up to 18
miles wide. It 
averages 1 mile deep. The Colorado River has been slicing through the rock here for millions of years. There is a rim trail that can be easily traversed by even the oldest folks, trust me.Many people go hiking, at least a ways down into the canyon.I saw a sign that said 250 people a year are rescued from the canyon. Most suffer heat exhaustion and dehydration. We met a 50-something couple emerging from Bright Angel trail this morning. They each carried 35-40 lb. packs on their backs. They had been "down there" hiking for 6 days. I commented on how fresh they looked considering their adventure and the gentleman said, "just don't stand down wind of us."
Some of you may remember when BC student Manson Owens died while hiking here. His story, along with many others who died here, is recounted in a popular book sold in the gift shops here.
We drove about 17 miles yesterday evening to witness the sunset from Moran Point. I've posted a couple of pics, but somehow mine aren't as dramatic as those you see on postcards. We spent this morning touring the historic buildings here. Most were built around 1901-1910. The El Tovar Hotel, built of pine logs stands sentinel on the rim of the canyon. On the walls inside, mounted moose and deer stare down at you. I'm sure Teddy Roosevelt slept here.
Another coincidence.....at a previous campsite, Turquoise Trail, outside of ABQ, we talked with a couple from Vermont. They said that they, too, were heading to Grand Canyon. Guess who is two campsites down from us? They are really nice. She left out this morning on an overnight mule trip down into the canyon. He's not so adventurous.
Enough for now. Thanks for following.
No comments:
Post a Comment