Grand Canyon Adventures

Hello my dear friends.  We have had quite the two days since we left Vegas.  I just had to put this photo at the beginning of this post as I love it.  We drove a long day and finally got to our hotel in the late afternoon and I'm so very glad we drove on in after a short rest - as it was sunny dusk and the Grand Canyon was glowing just like I'd hoped.  Isn't it amazing?

But let's back up a bit.  This is Lake Mead as we drove down near it after a LONG day of driving through the Nevada desert.  We did not have time to visit Hoover Dam.  

As we came up out of the lake area there was a scenic viewpoint so we pulled over and I snapped this shot of the Colorado River.  There was a Navajo woman with some blankets spread out with a lot of her handmade jewelry.  For $10 I bought a carnelian arrowhead necklace and hung it on our rear-view mirror for the rest of the trip to bring us luck.  :-)

We finally reached Williams, Arizona and had lunch in a fun diner in their charming old town.  And look.. we were on Route 66!!!

This is the newer sign.

We finally made it to Tusayan - and checked into our hotel.  Whew.. we were tired.  So we rested for a bit and then I said.. we need to go see the canyon!  So, off we went.  When we were in line to get into the park in our car I snapped a photo of these cute fuzzy pink flowers.. I have no idea what they are.

These flowers were on the Juniper trees.. they must turn into the berries?

We did a LOT of walking and climbing to see the different angles of the canyon.  It was truly awe inspiring.

I wonder if that rock was up on the rock on the right and how it fell off?  See the people on the left?  Of course I had to walk over THERE and climb down to see for myself.

Oh pretty!

I love the red rocks in the canyon.

As I walked along the path I was amazed at a bush full of gorgeous red flowers.  I did find these on google.. they are called Scarlet Bugler.

The sun slanted lower and the colors got all glowy orange and gold.

When we were ready to head back, we saw a mother and daughter ELK!

Aren't they beautiful?

I am so very glad we headed into the park last evening as today when we went back in, it was cloudy and the colors of the canyon were just all grey and it was very disappointing.  Do you see the rain falling?

We visited the Visitor's Center and watched a movie all about the canyon - it was neat to see the history and the animals and flowers and all.  Seeing the Condor program and how they let one go after they'd raised it it brought tears to my eyes.  Not long ago there were only 22 Condors left in 1987 - and with the breeding programs now there are 425 in the wild and in breeding programs!  We then visited the South Kaibab trailhead, Yaki Point and Pine Creek Vista and snapped some more dramatic weather photos.  

A flowering bush.

Some yellow flowers.  Soon the rain we'd been watching all afternoon reached us and we headed to the car!

In our adventuring around we actually found the El Tovar lodge and went inside to see it.  It was dinnertime and so we got a table in the dining room.  :-)

We shared a lovely salad, it was delicious.

Our handsome Hopi Indian waiter told us of the evening specials and I chose a delicious filet mignon with Bordelaise sauce, perfectly cooked green beans with cream cheese mashed potatoes.  Dayle had a yummy chicken dinner.

This is the lobby of the wonderful log lodge.  

We walked out on the front porch and sat for a while in these great rocking chairs.

I snapped a photo of this Juniper branch loaded with berries in the hotel courtyard.

This amazing Hopi House is a fabulous gift shop of local Indian crafts.  We got a pair of Navajo dolls for my granddaughters and some other things for the boys.

We then walked back to the viewpoint in front of the lodge and hoped for some sunshine and sunset photos.

Our patience paid off with some sun slanting below the clouds before the sun set.

Pretty, huh?

We made a new friend while watching the sun lower.. Nick.  Hi, Nick!  I gave him my blog card and hopefully he'll visit this blog and see himself.  :-)

The last rays of sun of the day.

Goodnight and goodbye Grand Canyon.  This was our first visit.. a bucket list thing.  It did not disappoint.  We may never get back here but the memories will last and bring me joy with every memory.

As we pulled out of the parking lot we snapped this shot of El Tovar Lodge.. a must see if you come here.

As we left the park.. what did we see?  But an bull Elk with a huge rack of antlers covered with velvet!  The photo is a bit fuzzy as it was low light and he was grazing and so did not stand still.. but isn't he handsome!?

Around the corner I saw a young doe grazing too!  

I do hope you enjoyed the photos of the Grand Canyon.  Now to bed I go as we have an early morning and drive halfway to our destination of Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, Oklahoma.  (Where I was born.)  We may be staying the night in Albuquerque, New Mexico!  I hope you're enjoying riding along with us on our adventure.  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)