Grand Canyon South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

Waiting for the Shuttle to see the sunset at grand canyon

We are catching up now. On our first afternoon after arriving at the Grand Canyon, we didn't want to miss anything, so we raced to the shuttle to be on time for the trip out to Hopi Point for the best view. When we arrived, there was a huge crowd all lined up, so we had to wait patiently for the third shuttle. By that time, we would have missed the sunset altogether, so we got off at the first stop, Powell Point, which proved to be fine. The popular National Parks are crowded. Not so crowded to make the experience unpleasant but Marion commented that it was nicer when she used to go with her parents and there weren't a lot of giant tour buses spewing out people and fumes since they never seem to turn their engines off.

Sunset Grand Canyon

You may notice a little smoke just above the North Rim. That is due to controlled burns by the forest service to reduce the chance of devastating forest fires. We noticed that taking place in all the areas we drove through.

Alan on the South Kaibab Trail

Friday morning was our day to hike in the Grand Canyon. We always listen carefully to the advice of the Park Rangers at the visitor center and this was no exception. She recommended a hike which we later saw described as "STRENUOUS" in the park newspaper. She asked us how much water we had and then told us it wasn't enough. We needed at least two liters each and three would have been better since there was no water on this trail. We scoffed at the maxim at the beginning of the trail: "Going down is optional, Returning is Mandatory!" Off we went, at a nice pace. There was trail work being done by a large crew replacing the wooden treads holding the steps in place with stone. When we got to the bottom, halfway point of the hike, both of us were feeling a little lightheaded, but neither one mentioned it. It was probably a combination of not drinking enough water on the way down, 7,000 feet altitude, 95 degree + temperature and a fair amount of exertion for at least one senior citizen. But we did the mandatory part of the trip and made it back safe and sound. There are warnings everywhere not to attempt the round trip to the river in one day. At least two days is suggested and three is better. It is a tough hike.

After the Hike

Samuel's Windsor Stool on the South Rim
By the El Tovar Lodge

The chair has been enjoying its trip with us so far. On this morning, a man was staring at us and finally asked what the story of the chair was. So we told him. It has been fun. Then we left for Zion.