Our plans for the North Rim at the Grand Canyon were shifted round due to weather forecasts...which meant our plans for hiking also shifted, as we weren't going to be there early enough in the day to really do a proper hike down into the…Read More

Our plans for the North Rim at the Grand Canyon were shifted round due to weather forecasts...which meant our plans for hiking also shifted, as we weren't going to be there early enough in the day to really do a proper hike down into the canyon.

So we decided to head to Cape Royal...which if you read my other story turned out rather different than expected due to cloud...it was rather eerie to walk through the fog, unsure of were the path was going or what lay ahead.

We headed to the head of the North Kaibab trail...the original plan was more strenuous...but the plan chage together with weather concerns as we had seen the clouds and had heard thunder we switched from plan A to plan C which meant we only went as far as Coconino Overlook which is about a 1.5 mile round trip. The trail here is rough in places and was muddy due to recent rain...but its mucky as this is also a mule trail...so expect to have to watch your step ...or if you have a delicate nose this may not be the trail for you. Fair enough there are more spectacular views from the rim than you will get on this trail...but why come to the Grand Canyon and stand looking down. Now I would love to hike the Canyon rim to rim...but not this trip...it requires more advanced planning to get a space in one of the campsites in the canyon...as I'm not crazy enough to try it in one day ( we met one guy as we were coming up who had and looked half-dead). It was fairly steep and hard work coming back up...but it was worth it. I wish we had had time to go further down the trail. Going down provided a different perspective on the canyon than you can get from above. We met few people on this trail - one couple with a baby had just come up as we were starting down and the crazy rim-to-rim guy who came up just after us. So it was really nice to get a sense of remoteness and quiet.

Our final 'hike' was the Bright Angel Point Trail which is paved and a short stroll out to the amazing viewpoint to enjoy sunset over the canyon.

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We struggled with the weather when we were in the area - but we thought in changing our plans we might get the better weather to visit the Grand Canyon...which had been one of the driving force on making the big trip to this region.…Read More

We struggled with the weather when we were in the area - but we thought in changing our plans we might get the better weather to visit the Grand Canyon...which had been one of the driving force on making the big trip to this region. So we drove in and the weather seemed to have improved from early morning the sun was breaking through the overhead cloud...so we were convinced that our change in plans was good!

But we headed up to Cape Royal to start with...but on reaching Roosevelt Point and Walhalla we could see nothing the cloud was thick around us...but we continued and we reached the car park at Cape Royal...and sat down for some food...and here the cloud was starting to lift...so every so often you could get this glimpse of something other than mist.

So we decided to head out to Angels Window and Cape Royal...but the cloud was so thick...so having walked out to both I decided to walk back...some of the others were less quick in return which paid off as suddenly the cloud lifted...I got that glimpse of Angels Window just were I had been walking. But as quick as it went...the cloud rolled back in...and became very foggy.

So we decided to head to the Lodge...but as we headed down we got to the start of the North Kaibab Trail...and there was no cloud in sight. And in the end ...by sunset we got the most incredible sky.

It did have a rather eerie feel to wander in the fog at Cape Royal...as sense of unknowing...that in theory you knew there was something there...you knew there was a drop...but you couldn't see it. Standing at the tip on Angels Window was surreal as the cloud swirled round, and a chill started to creep around you. Concealed ...it meant that each time the cloud crept back and allowed a glimpse it was magical. It was a strange world...but it meant that the Grand Canyon revealed itself in a unique way...glimmers...traces...but created a mystery about itself for me. It was a reminder that a day at the Grand Canyon is only ever going to be a glimpse there is just too much of it.   Close

Besides the natural beauty of our national parks system, people come here for the wildlife. And nothing will stop vacationers in their tracks quicker than spotting ANY form of wildlife. There are some 75 specials of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, 25 types of fish,…Read More

Besides the natural beauty of our national parks system, people come here for the wildlife. And nothing will stop vacationers in their tracks quicker than spotting ANY form of wildlife.

There are some 75 specials of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, 25 types of fish, and somewhere around 300 birds within the parks environs. There are bobtails and mountain lions. Of course your have varieties of deer, squirrels, gophers chipmunks, sheep, and rabbits. But believe it or not the most important is the squirrel. Yep, the squirrel. The Albert and the Kaibab squirrels to be exact. The Albert is at the South Rim and the Kaibab at the North Rim.

Of course you should use caution when you see these animals. Don’t feed them or give them pick a nick baskets. Don’t get to close. And take only pictures and leave the animals where you found them. Don’t destroy nature when trying to take pictures or get a better view of the animals. Keep your distance when you see the animals. And lastly don’t let your wildlife play with their wildlife. Most of these animals are hard to find and keep their distance from the high traffic rim areas. While I was here I got to see the following animals:

The Albert Squirrel . Tony asked us what we thought the most dangerous animals here was. I said man. Others said the mountain lion and some said bears (there are no bears here). We were all wrong. Tony informs us that during peak season more than 10 people a day are treated at the first aid station for bites. These little guys don’t seem to mind us and come right up to people who proceed to pet or attempt to pet them and get bit!

After walking back from the trail at Hermit’s Rest, I saw a crowd gathered in front of the gift shop. And what do I always say about crowds gathering? It is probably for a good reason. The reason here? This cute little chubby cheeked Albert Squirrel right on the walkway there, looking a-dor-able. Yep, I listed to everyone word Tony said about the squirrel. Of course I still wanted to reach down and scratch his cute little cheeks. He just looked like he was made for petting. I refrained myself though and only took his little picture.

The California Condor . Of course Condors are still endangered but are coming back to the area thanks to careful monitoring of these magnificent creatures and breeding programs. Today, thankfully, about some 70 of the birds can be found in the area. While at the park you can take in one of the daily ranger talks about these beauties.

While we were here we were lucky enough to see one flying and soaring over the canyon. These birds can weigh up to 23 pounds and can have up to a 9 foot wing span. So to see such a regal and magnificent bird soaring over one of the most beautiful places on the planet was a rare but awe inspiring site. Again, remember to breath. Tony had plenty to tell us about theses creatures. I would have loved to have a closer look. I was just happy to get a glance.

Ravens Of all the birds at the canyon, the ravens is the most abundant and your best chance of seeing wildlife at the park. They are often mistaken for the crow or people think they are the same thing. Chances of seeing a crow at the canyon are slim. They are also very sneaky and often swoop down and grab food from unspecting guests to the park.

While also walking around at Hermit’s Rest I spotted a raven steadfastly perched on a tree limb giving me a great shot with my camera. I was just fascinated watching him bouncing and strutting around on his branch. And with the Grand Canyon in the background. Well that was money shot for sure.

Big Horn Sheep . These gorgeous animals once numbered in the millions. But since man seems hell bent on destroying everything, these animals numbered have dwindled to next to nothing, like many of the inhabitants at the canyon. These stout animals can scramble from ledge to ledge of the walls and can climb at a rate of about 15 miles per hour.

As Pam and I were rambling around the rim, I glanced over at the El Tovar restaurant and at the side of the building and there are two sheep. At first I am thinking "hmmmm..odd place for a statue". But then I think I see the baby move. I rubbed my eyes and look again, and it was moving. I start tugging on Pam like a little kid and all I can do is point. Then I manage to whisper "lookie..baby". We start to carefully inch our way up and then others start to notice too. People to start to form a circle around mom and her baby. Everyone is also talking in whispers. Though I don’t know why as this place isn’t exactly quite.

We take picture after picture and soon leave them to enjoy the grass and the water. The next day as we are doing site inspections we walk out of the Angel Bright and on to the next resort. All of a sudden there was a travel agent traffic jam. Out on the lawn there were more sheep. There was also a big crowd gathered around on the lawn snapping away. It was just something else to see these guys hanging out not the least bit concerned with people all over the place.

While here I also marveled at butterflies, more birds, and while we were touring the train we saw people gathered around while a mule deer was munching. One of the agents had a close encounter with a tarantula. Thankfully that wasn’t me because if I had, the people at the North Rim would have known about it. Just remember you can see them. That is wildlife stopping at its worse kind and just makes me go "blah".
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There are some places on the planet that are known for their sunrises and sunsets. I personally, celebrate sunsets as often as possible and sunrises when on the very rare occasion I am up to see them. So when I seen I would be here…Read More

There are some places on the planet that are known for their sunrises and sunsets. I personally, celebrate sunsets as often as possible and sunrises when on the very rare occasion I am up to see them. So when I seen I would be here for sunset and sunrise I knew I had to celebrate this daily ritual.

I had already seen the sunset at the Desert Botanical Gardens so I was very anxious to see it here as well. After Pam and I had our tour with the delightful Tony, we had the rest of the day to enjoy the canyon. We had plenty of time to take in all the grandeur of this place. As the daytime was soon ending and evening would take its shift, this place takes on an ethereal beauty. The scrumptious reds, gold, and rusts of the rocks must now compete with the reds, pinks, and yellows of the nighttime skies. The clouds here change too. Several looked like UFO’s to me!!!

You really have to go to different vantage points to see the varying shades of the evening. There is just something special about looking out over the massive land with the brilliant colors of the sky changing into its nighttime shine. Unlike Phoenix, there are no twinkling lights in the distance from surrounding cities. And that is just the way I like it.

As I have mentioned before I am not a fan of mornings. But when I received my itinerary and it listed the option of being up at ready to hike to the lookout point for sunrise at the Grand Canyon, there was no way I was not going to see this.

Pam and I both were up for this option. We drug our sleepy heads out of bed and headed out to the bus stop to catch the bus out to Mather Point. The minute we got to our stop and headed towards the point, I knew why they suggested a heavy jacket here. I had to have an extra piece of luggage to fit my hubby’s big stadium jacket in it. Up until this point I was thinking I had wasted my money. It was freezing. So make sure you bring a heavy jacket if you’re planning to enjoy this spectacle of nature.

We make our way to Mather Point where a crowd has already arrived before us. We walk around trying to find the best vantage point in which to view this site so many people had come to see. Pam, Jodine, and others from our group gather around the railings. Myself and others perch up on a boulder. We wait for the special moment when the sun would rise up over the horizon to greet us.

As the first rays break the excitement begins to build as people prepare for the beginning of our day. As the sun starts to pop its head over the horizon, you start to hear gasps and "here it come". Once that glowing ball is up, a collection cheer arises from the crowd as we greet this morning as so many do every morning. As I looked around I see people holding each other, smiles a mile wide, and tears being wiped from what we just witnessed. It was a collective experience that we all shared that will last a lifetime.

As the sun started climbing up I had to once again remind myself to breath. As I waiting to say hello to the sun I just kept thinking how lucky I was to be here to experience this event. As the sun creeps up I have a hard time taking pictures for the tears that start streaming down from my face. While it may seem trivial since this natural event occurs everyday. To be here at this place and to see something some hauntingly beautiful is a treat. And it is something every person should have the privilege of doing so at least once in their lifetime.

Should you be here during Easter, they do offer 2 options for sunrise services. The most spectacular of these is held in the park. Traditionally the services have been held at Mather Point but this year it was held at Yavapai Point. The Shrine of the Ages also holds services. Both services are non-denominational. Check the park’s website for more information. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.
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While my trip to the Grand Canyon allowed plenty of time to roam on my own, we did get a tour from one of the locals. And who knows better than the locals? After our delightful 2 hour train ride to the Grand Canyon, we…Read More

While my trip to the Grand Canyon allowed plenty of time to roam on my own, we did get a tour from one of the locals. And who knows better than the locals?

After our delightful 2 hour train ride to the Grand Canyon, we disembarked and once again we divided up into 2 groups and loaded up on a bus with our tour guide, the wonderful Tony. Now after spending several hours on a motor coach with our tour guide, Salty Dog, it was a relief to have someone who knew what they were talking about and was able to bring the history of this place to life through knowledge instead of reading something out of a book an boring us to death. Like many in this area, Tony is a native and his family has lived here for many generations. And just like my husband he is of course part Native American from the Yavapai tribe.

As we head out Tony gives us the history of this amazing place. As we round the corner, all of a sudden, there it was. What we were here for…the Grand Canyon. You hear one huge "gasp" followed by "OMG", followed by sounds of cameras clicking picture after picture. For many, like myself, this was our first trip to this wonder. So to hear all of these agents discovering the beauty of this place at one time was just something special. In fact one agent who has been with the company for many years has taken this trip several times and commented that no many how many times she took this trip, it always brought tears to her eyes at the first discovery.

There are a total of 19 overlooks at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Of course we didn’t hit them all. We traveled along West Rim Drive and Hermit’s Rest Rd. We stopped in at Hermits Rest as well as Pima, Mohave, and Hopi Points. The views here are heart stopping. You can choose to keep safely behind a barrier with eye popping views or go out a bit to the rim barrier free and get even more amazing views. These views certainly are not for those who are afraid of heights and you should use extreme cautions when going out to the edge.


At each stop we parked the bus and we had plenty of time to ogle and photograph this natural wonder. Before each overlook we were given a history of where we were going and answered the many questions we had once we were there and pointed out things to be on the lookout for. At each overlook agents gathered around to admire this beauty and to take pictures to prove they were here and to post on Facebook. At Hermits Rest there are rest rooms as well as a gift shop and a place to pick up a bite to eat. I decided to walk the road that went past the bathrooms. It took me to an area without barriers and offering up some mind boggling views which left me speechless.

Having a guided tour was truly a wonderful experience and I was very grateful to have that tour with a knowledgeable guide such as Tony. And discovering this amazing place with my fellow agents was just indescribable.
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Ok, so I have told you about experiences that have left me speechless and had tears in my eyes. But I had to end with a story that left me in stitches. After shopping for my children at the 3 Dog Bakery, Pam and I…Read More

Ok, so I have told you about experiences that have left me speechless and had tears in my eyes. But I had to end with a story that left me in stitches.

After shopping for my children at the 3 Dog Bakery, Pam and I headed out to our Pink Jeep Tour. As we were heading towards the offices it dawned on me, I had to get their presents home and remarked to Pam "geeze I hope they don’t have drug sniffing dogs at the airport since they will certainly sniff out this huge bone".

On my final night I was busy packing my bags. I put my bag with babies’ goodies right on top. After all I knew they would be happy to see mommy and then would want to know what I got them. When I arrived back into Charlotte I made my way to the luggage carousel and one piece of luggage was the first off the conveyer belt. However I stood and stood waiting for my other piece of luggage. I was starting to think after all of these years my luggage finally gets lots. When sure enough here comes my red luggage with the dozen luggage tags on the handle. I grab it and make my way to my car and head on home. When I get home I wearily threw my luggage on my bed to unpack and notice a bright red sticker on the airline luggage sticker. It read "Inspected by TSA". So apparently someone had drug sniffing dogs somewhere. And when I opened my luggage, my bag of goodies that had been on top was shoved down on the side and there were teeth marks on my luggage!

OK, but let me go back and add something else. I have mentioned several times that I do not drink alcoholic beverages but love wine labels. While at the resort gift shop in Williams I mentioned to my roommate Pam that I would have to get a bottle of wine with the train on it for the label. I explained I didn’t drink but just wanted the label. The following night at the Maswick Lodge when they had a dinner for us, Pam went up to the bar and came back with empty wine bottle for me. She asked the bar tender if she could have the empty wine bottle. Since they were going to toss it anyway, she gladly turned it over to Pam. So she gave it to me so I didn’t have to by a $13 bottle of wine just for the label.

Word got out about my wine label obsession. By the time I let I have 2 wine bottles, a champagne bottle, and 2 bottles from local made beer (my label obsession actually extends to any kind of local made booze, not just wine). And so guess what piece of luggage all of those empty booze bottle were in.? Yep, the red one with the dog treats that was inspected by TSA.

As I unpacked my contraband luggage and located the kid’s treats I noticed that apparently they had inspected the whole things since things were out of place (I never leave my bag of dirty clothes on top). Then it just hit me and I started to laugh. I am having visions of this big TSA inspector (and in my vision he reminded me of the crazy sheriff actor Ron Pearlman played in the Stephen King movie Desperation ). I could just see him thinking he had a big drug bust, but instead discovered his dogs had sniffed out dog bones and cookies. Then I seeing him snarking and laughing at my dog cookies and hold them up all the time saying "ain’t that special..Halloween cookies…for dogs". Then to make sure that was all there was, they went through my luggage and found about half a dozen empty booze bottles then declaring "and it looks like she has a big drinking problem".

Now I have no idea what actually happened other than my luggage did get inspected. But I figured it gave me an amusing story. Just next time I travel, I will remember to bring the wine label removers with me. At least that way if my luggage gets inspected again, they will only find the dog treats!
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Owning a timeshare in Flagstaff makes taking a day trip (or more) to the Grand Canyon National Park very easy. Last time we stayed at our timeshare we took a tour day-trip to the Grand Canyon. This year, we opted to do an…Read More

Owning a timeshare in Flagstaff makes taking a day trip (or more) to the Grand Canyon National Park very easy. Last time we stayed at our timeshare we took a tour day-trip to the Grand Canyon. This year, we opted to do an overnight making the most of two days at the park.

The drive is pretty easy, less than two hours regardless of which route you choose. See the "experience review" that is also part of this journal with highlights and observations on the routes you can take. For me, the drive to the Grand Canyon is as much about the viewing and scenery as is the national park itself.

Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon National Park, you will have to pay your $25 admission fee which is for your car and all riders. You can also purchase the US National Parks annual pass for $80 which allows you free access to all of the park system locations for free for one year. If you have a parks pass, be sure that you still receive the park guide booklet and maps.

During our stay in the park, we fully utilized their shuttle bus system. There are two routes that are your only means to access these areas of the Grand Canyon. The Hermit Rest (red line) goes seven miles along the western end of the canyon's south rim and has only just recently been reopened after a year of renovation. Along this trip, there are several stops that allow you differing vantage points of the Grand Canyon and two nice views of the Colorado River below, including the muddy rapids. At the end of the road is Hermit Rest which has restroom facilities, a gift shop and a snack food type cafeteria. We met several people along our journey who were hiking the seven mile length to Hermits Rest with plans to ride the shuttle back to the village connector point.

The other shuttle bus line, the green bus, went out to Yaki Point . . . another spectacular overlook of the Grand Canyon. The green bus line also takes hikers to the popular Kalbab Trail. Many people hike and camp beneath the rim from this point. The Pipe Creek overlook is also along this route, and is accessible by private vehicle. This is where we opted to take in the sunset which was lovely. On our ride back after dusk, we came upon a herd of six or seven elk grazing on the limited grassy groundcover along the road. Unfortunately, it was too dark to get any decent photos of these guys!

The park is full of wildlife. While riding on the blue shuttle we did see elk earlier in the day near the Grand Canyon Association offices right in the village. Also after dinner at the El Tovar we saw four mule deer eating on the front lawn of the lodge. They didn’t seem too spooked by people and allowed us to photograph them without disturbing their supper.

The blue shuttle bus runs through the village area and connects all of the lodges, restaurants and the two connector points for the red and green lines. All in all, the shuttle system is very efficient running every 10-15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes early in the morning and later in the evening. We found the buses generally very comfortable and not too crowded. Not sure what to expect however, during the high season of summer. I would assume they would have to put more buses out during peak tourist season.

There are evening programs hosted by park rangers and you can also spend a lot of time in the main visitors' center learning about the Grand Canyon. Because we had been here a few years ago and only had a limited amount of time to explore and see the great views available, we didn't partake in these activities. If you are making your first, and perhaps only trip to the Grand Canyon, please be sure to make time to spend at least an hour at the visitors center by Mather Point.    Close

There are two direct routes from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, both of which run approximately 80-90 miles, so we decided to take one route to the canyon and the other on our return home. This allows for not only a change is scenery,…Read More

There are two direct routes from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, both of which run approximately 80-90 miles, so we decided to take one route to the canyon and the other on our return home. This allows for not only a change is scenery, but also an opportunity to drive along the eastern end of the south rim, something that is missed if you do not venture beyond the Grand Canyon Village and the views accessible via their shuttle bus system.

Heading north out of Flagstaff on Hwy 180, you will traverse the high altitude region (approximately 7,000 ft. elevation) through the ponderosa pines. As you settle into the mid-lands, you will probably be struck as we were by the change in scenery and landscape as it is high desert with junipers and tumble weeds. Along this stretch of the road, we did see a small herd of antelope that seemed quite startled when we stopped the car to take some photos.

Continuing on, you eventually reach the small town of Tusayan. Here there are a number of motels, restaurants and gas/convenience stores. (By the way, gas here was $.40/gallon more than down in Flagstaff.) Also located in Tusayan is the National Geographic Grand Canyon Visitors Center that is the home of their Grand Canyon IMAX theatre. Be advised, they are not affiliated with the US Park Service or the Grand Canyon National Park. Located a couple of miles before the main park entrance, you can buy park admissions here if you want to. That won't help you to avoid the potential for lines at the park entrance, so I'm not sure why one should bother.

Before arriving at the park entrance, be sure to stop at the photo op Grand Canyon National Park turnout to take pictures to document your visit!

Once you have paid your entrance fee (or shown your US Parks Annual Pass) you will proceed into the park with an option to proceed towards the Grand Canyon Village (west) or to the Desert View area (east). We would recommend the village option saving the east choice for your departure route.

As you head into the park there is a parking lot at the main visitors’ center which also serves as a shuttle bus stop for the "village/blue" bus line. This is Mather Point, which is probably the most viewed area of the Grand Canyon simply because it is what you reach first when entering from the south entrance at Tusayan.

When you depart the Grand Canyon National Park, head east on Hwy64 which will take you past some lovely overlooks including the one at Watchtower. There is an east entrance to the park, with an admissions booth and a photo op sign as well, so you can do your visit in reverse order if you so choose. For us, however, we wanted to see and photograph the east end of the rim on our departure rather than entering.

Heading out Hwy 64, you will eventually reach Hwy 89 that goes south into Flagstaff. Along the way on Hwy 64, you will pass through the Navaho Indian Reservation and travel along the Little Colorado River. The red rock cliffs and canyons are beautiful but photo spots to stop are very limited, so take it all in with your mind's photographic imagery.

Highways 64 and 89 intersect in the small village of Cameron. Here you can pick up a bite to eat or fill up your gas tank. There are also several Native American outposts where you can stop in to shop for jewelry, pottery and other gifts.

For us, the drive to and from the Grand Canyon is as much a part of the tour as the canyon itself . . . so enjoy the ride!
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My kids were understandably nervous about venturing down into the Canyon, and this drive was our substitute for exploring below the rim. (As we left the Canyon, though, they vowed to change this on the next visit). The vistas at every stop on this drive…Read More

My kids were understandably nervous about venturing down into the Canyon, and this drive was our substitute for exploring below the rim. (As we left the Canyon, though, they vowed to change this on the next visit). The vistas at every stop on this drive are amazing, with views across large extents of the Canyon.

It’s not quite 25 miles from the Lodge to Cape Royal. You begin by following the route to Point Imperial, but after nine miles, you bear right and head south along the eastern edge of Walhalla Plateau. Most of the altitude change and a few switchbacks are in this first stretch. One way to do this trip is to start early in the morning and drive directly to Cape Royal, making all the stops on the way back. Or you can start in late morning and make the stops on the way out (we did a little of both). Either way, the timing allows for a stop at Vista Encantada at lunchtime, a great place for a picnic. There are several tables in the shade, with a fabulous view off to the side. After finishing our salami sandwiches (the official lunch of this vacation), we explored along the edge, where a few trails run off along the rim.

Vista Encantada is oriented mainly northeast, and in a few miles another overlook points southeast, to the main part of the Canyon. This is Roosevelt Point, commemorating Teddy R’s contributions to making the Canyon a national preserve. The temperature climbed throughout the afternoon, but it was here that we had the optimal combination of blue skies and stark white clouds, and watched while the latter moved their shadows up and down the rock temples below. A short trail heads north from the lookout, partway down into the Canyon. My youngest and I followed it for a while, and it served as a great way to get away from any crowds that may be there.

From here, the road leaves the rimside for the last 10 miles to the parking lot at Cape Royal. When we arrived, it was midday and hot, and the parking lot was pretty full. It’s a short walk to the first overlook, with Angels Window off to the right, a hole in a fin that juts into the Canyon. This was a precursor to the hoodoos and windows of Bryce Canyon, with one amazing exception: at the right angle, you can see the Colorado through Angels Window.

The trail out to Angel’s Window runs along that fin, and is pretty narrow in spots, but the paving, railing and fencing make it safe. The view here, and further south from Cape Royal itself, are well worth the short hikes, which must be around a mile altogether. You feel as if you’re standing in the middle of the Canyon, with the castles and cliff faces rising around you on all sides.

Two of my family stayed behind at Angel’s Window, resting on a bench that was nicely situated in the shade. When the rest of us returned, we sat on the rim’s edge for a while, cooling off from our time in the Sun.

Before driving back to the Lodge, we stopped at Walhalla Overlook, just north of Angels Window, for one more vista. Across the road are the ruins of an ‘Anasazi’ village, used by people who regularly hiked from riverside to rimtop as part of their lifestyle.

There are two terrific hikes that we didn’t take advantage of: the Cliff Springs Trail at Angels Window, the Cape Final trail about 3 miles before Cape Royal. The first heads east to more wonderful view of the Canyon, and the second visits an Anasazi granary. I won’t skip either on my next visit, which will hopefully be soon.   Close

For some strange reason, both times we ate out during our most recent Grand Canyon visit, we ate pizza in Tusayan, the small community 10 miles south of the Rim. The first time, the evening after our all-day mule ride, we ate at the Spaghetti…Read More

For some strange reason, both times we ate out during our most recent Grand Canyon visit, we ate pizza in Tusayan, the small community 10 miles south of the Rim. The first time, the evening after our all-day mule ride, we ate at the Spaghetti Western place, duped by the name and the ridiculously cheap $6.95 pizza sign. We should’ve known better. We were sore from the ride, dusty and thirsty, and really in the mood for a BIG pitcher of beer, but unfortunately, they only had bottles.

Had we known, we would have gotten up and gone to that other pizza place, plainly named We Cook Pizza and Pasta, where we later found nice big pitchers. But the prospect of getting up from the soft black leather booth into which we’d sunk not only didn’t appeal to us, it could be downright painful. So we went ahead with the bottles and ordered a pepperoni. The $6.95 was for the most basic of cheese pizzas, prices increasing rapidly with toppings and sizes, so our tab came to $36, including the beers. Once we were done eating, we did have to get up anyway and it was painful, but alleviated somewhat after a couple of bottles of Bud.

Towards the end of the week, we did end up eating at We Cook Pizza and Pasta and liked it much better. Brightly lit inside and an obvious favorite of locals, the menu options were clearly spelled out on a backlit board behind the counter where we ordered. For almost exactly the same price ($36) we got so much more. Our medium "the Works" pizza was top-notch, great crust, tasty sauce, nicely loaded with pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, olives, onions, bell peppers and mozzarella. A generous pitcher of Fosters went well with it. Another plus point for those so inclined is that the We Cook folks offer Veggie and Pure Vegan Pizzas and Calzones.

We almost ate at the Canyon Star at the Grand Hotel in Tusayan. After stopping by and checking it out one morning on our way to the park, both Bob and I agreed it looked like our kind of place. Fancy rustic cowboy-style decor combined with a tantalizing and not all that pricey menu was most attractive. Added to that, Native American dancers perform nightly at 7pm on the dance floor in the center of the dining room. We didn’t make it back this time, but it’s number one on our list of places to eat next time.   Close