Arizona

A Day at the Edge

by Ingrid

This morning our day started by driving back to the east entrance of Grand Canyon National Park and SLOWLY working our way back to the Visitor Center, stopping at all the scenic overlooks.  The views were spectacular. Grand Canyon

After lunch, we work our way west.  I take in the architecture of the various lodges and attractions as well as the stunning canyon views.Grand CanyonGrand Canyongrand canyonGrand Canyon

The highlight of my day was hiking a short distance of the famous Bright Angel Trail.  This is the trail that one can hike or mule trip to the bottom of the canyon.  It’s late in the day.  Al and I are tired, but a short little walk on this trail provided me with the unique experience of seeing a Ram up close and personal.  We watch these magnificent animals traverse the challenging terrain with ease.  I was totally mesmerized.  After this special encounter, I can’t stop smiling.  I won’t complain about leaving tomorrow because I can’t imagine anything topping this moment.Grand CanyonGrand CanyonAngel Trail

I managed to carry out a fraction of my intended plans during this Grand Canyon National Park visit.  Al agrees we’ll return next year.  We’ll be sure to return earlier in the fall, before the temperatures start freezing.  I’d like to target September and visit the North Rim as well.  I hear it’s even prettier.Colorado River

Tomorrow we hit the road again……destination Sedona, Arizona.

38 thoughts on “A Day at the Edge”

  3. Oh my! I remember my one and only visit to the Grand Canyon it was a side trip when my girlfreind, now my wife of twenty-one years was moving from Atlanta, GA to San Francisco, CA. It was a amazing, but it was a short – very short visit – too short to do the park justice I hope to go back with my kids one day and really enjoy the park. I love following your adventures – you truly Make Your day Count! Have a great one.

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  4. What’s not to love about the GC? And you saw some unreal wildlife! Consider me jealous. About the only wildlife we saw on our GC rim-to-rim hike were rattlesnakes and deer. Hey, I’ll take it. Have fun in Sedona! Lots of good hiking in the area.

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    1. Seeing those Bighorn was definitely a highlight. Rim to rim…wow – not sure I’ll ever do that, but I would like to consider and I can do without the snake encounters!

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    1. Look forward to hiking more and exploring the north rim. Not sure I’ll make it to the bottom, but I’d be happy with a half way point….thanks!

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  7. Been away for a few days … but bot am I glad I never missed this one…. that canyon is unbelievable.. and something I have to see before I can’t… and the mountain goats..is that what you call them?? I would love to get up close to them…. wonderful photos .. but that canyon is beyond words…

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    1. Those are Bighorn Sheep….pretty amazing. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is on next years agenda….we’ll aim for earlier in the fall. Definitely amazing and my photos do not do it justice.

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  8. There is nothing like the Grand Canyon and you have captured her quite well, which is not an easy feat. You will love the North Rim equally. 🙂

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    1. Yes the Grand Canyon is really difficult to photograph. I wish we had stayed longer (if the weather had been better) so I could figure out what time of day and where for the best photo ops. I guess I have lots of reasons to go back and explore!

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    1. Just got done reading your post….wow. And I agree, there are some hearty older folk out west that are amazing. An hour, two tops at hiking and I’m done. Thanks for commenting!

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  12. Great shots of the Bighorn sheep (and the Canyon!). If you are heading to Sedona check out Deadhorse State Park in Cottonwood. It’s not too far away. (It’s another favorite of ours). Safe Travels! -Maureen

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    1. Already spent five days at Dead Horse per YOUR blog. (I’m behind on posts so it’s coming up) Catalina in Jan…lol. Thanks for deciding to blog again….Ingrid

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  13. Gorgeous scenic shots of the Canyon. I agree, the North Rim is also a must see stop. My last visit was 1991, but it has always been less crowded than that South Rim. Lucky you to have the rams pose for you!!! Sedona is one place I’ve always wanted to see, but somehow never managed that one. Can’t wait to see your photos of it!

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    1. Capturing those Bighorns was definitely a highlight. My photos of Sedona turned out so so, but I’ll post and you let me know. I look forward to a trip to the north rim and warmer weather while there!

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    1. Those Bighorn Sheep really made my day. I actually sat on the ground and wouldn’t leave until they left the area. Al was grateful as he had concerns about sleeping on the trail….LOL.

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    1. The header photo was taken at Lake Powell and we camped at that spot for five days. Now that you’re ‘out west’ there is soooo much to see and explore. So very different than east of the Mississippi River 🙂

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  17. Fabulous photos of the Big Horns!! Our Aunt and Uncle, now ages 97 and 89 respectively, took the mule ride down that trail in the late 1950’s..Quite the daredevils, I’d say..We were last at the Canyon in 1971, I’m sure much has changed..Thanks for taking us back..You and Al would absolutely LOVE Alaska…We even saw Musk Ox on the North Slope Haul Road…Really enjoying your trip!!!!!

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    1. Well I’m sure the Canyon doesn’t look much different, just all the man-made stuff. I so want to do that mule trip…..one day. Can you imagine the drive from IL to the Grand Canyon in the 50’s?

      Alaska is definitely on the Bucket list. So many places, so little time!

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