Day 58 Grand Canyon National Park 14 Oct
Up and about relatively early. Sunrise is getting much later–6:30 am or so. The nighttime temperature is getting much colder–21 degrees according to the Visitor Center. We took the blue line shuttle to Canyon View Information Plaza. This is the only facility run by the National Park Service. This facility offers stuff as well but the proceeds go directly to park improvement. We browsed awhile then headed over the Village Route to Hermits Rest Route. At the transfer between the blue line shuttle to the red line shuttle we began a walk on the rim trail. We walked about 2 miles or so and skirted the edge of the canyon. No words can describe the beauty of this vast expanse. The sky was clear, sunny and about 60 degrees with a moderate wind. Perfect for walking and viewing. We saw two mule deer stags just off the trail. AND a California condor soaring high overhead! The condors have been successfully reintroduced into the wild. The ravens look small in comparison.
We returned by red line shuttle to Hermits Rest Transfer station then walked along the rim through the developed area that includes many of the lodges, original buildings and shops. Kolb studio has a stunning view with an enclosed porch perched over the ledge. Many of the buildings were designed by Mary Calder, a noted architect of the times. Rather than infuse a European theme, she incorporated many native designs into her buildings. The Glacier chalets “fit” only in the sense of being in mountains. The lodges and many outbuildings of Mary Calder fit in a truer sense and blend with the surrounding environment. By the time we got back to camp we were pretty bushed. It is so nice to share the experiences first hand with someone who is also interested and curious about new vistas.
I should mention that thoughout our trip, but especially in the Grand Canyon Park, we have been surrounded by people of many nationalities. There is an abundance of RVs rented with a “travel America” theme on the roads and in the parks. We had been told that many foreigners wait until after American school begin to travel in the US. We meet as many, if not more, international tourists in some places than American.
We returned by red line shuttle to Hermits Rest Transfer station then walked along the rim through the developed area that includes many of the lodges, original buildings and shops. Kolb studio has a stunning view with an enclosed porch perched over the ledge. Many of the buildings were designed by Mary Calder, a noted architect of the times. Rather than infuse a European theme, she incorporated many native designs into her buildings. The Glacier chalets “fit” only in the sense of being in mountains. The lodges and many outbuildings of Mary Calder fit in a truer sense and blend with the surrounding environment. By the time we got back to camp we were pretty bushed. It is so nice to share the experiences first hand with someone who is also interested and curious about new vistas.
I should mention that thoughout our trip, but especially in the Grand Canyon Park, we have been surrounded by people of many nationalities. There is an abundance of RVs rented with a “travel America” theme on the roads and in the parks. We had been told that many foreigners wait until after American school begin to travel in the US. We meet as many, if not more, international tourists in some places than American.
Posted by in 15:21:29
I have read all the articles in your blog!!! They are my teachers and friends. Great admiration!!