Thursday, May 28, 2009

On The Rim

Plans: Wake early to watch the sunrise.

Actual: Not so much.

Once we finally got up and showered and had breakfast, we took the Grand Canyon shuttle to the visitor center. I had to get another coveted National Park Passport cancellation. And there is always fun to be had a the visitors center. Wow, what a rack!Next we took the shuttle to Mather Point, which was our viewpoint for sunset the previous evening. It was there that we started walking the rim trail. The rim trail is just that - a trail that follows the rim. It leads from viewpoint to viewpoint and is paved and fairly level. Perfect for someone on a still-healing ankle. While the pictures are still beautiful, the midday sun makes even something this grand seem flat. Anyone that has only seen the canyon at midday has missed something special. Early morning light or late afternoon light or both - that's the way to see the canyon!

Another bonus in our timing of this trip, the wildflowers were in bloom!Once again, Vol Fan shows his bravery. (Click on that pic to get the full effect!) But he didn't want to step across that crack. Concerned that his weight would be all it took to dislodge that rock!! And yes, his life insurance is up to date.I love rock windows!Around 3 or 4, the sun starts its descent and here come those lovely shadows!!The late afternoon also causes the air in the canyon to rise, which allows the California Condors to soar. The wingspan can reach 9.5 feet! I worked and worked to get a picture but I'm just not talented enough to catch a crisp picture of a bird in flight. Those birds are magnificent!We found a quiet spot, all to ourselves, to enjoy watching the sunset. It was a perfect place for a romantic evening. After all, it was our anniversary - Number 19!
I enjoyed playing around with my shadow. Like my new hat??I tried to take a photo of the two of us. Turns out - I have 14 chins!And another mad dash to the Yavapai Lodge cafeteria made a day!

14 comments:

T said...

Happy Anniversary!

You took amazing pictures and you're right - the early morning or evening ones allow us to see the depth and contours of the canyon.

Lori said...

Beautiful! Happy Anniversary and what a wonderful way to celebrate it. I finally got a chance to stop by here and say hello...sure do miss stopping by here. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! Having watched the video you posted, I'm now loving the narrative that goes with all the pictures!

Busy Bee Suz said...

What beautiful picutes...and you don't have 14 chins either!!!!
I was wondering about the life insurance....
Happy 19!!!!

Mental P Mama said...

Beautiful! Happy belated 19th! And no orange shirt;)

Unknown said...

I love the photos bu I love even more that you guys are still so in love!!!

Traveling with a best feind and husband = pricless.

Happy 19th! What's planned for the 20th?

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Now thats the way to spend an anniversary!

The Good Eater said...

I love those pictures. Magnificent!

Big Hair Envy said...

OMG!!! Your pictures are amazing!

I'm SO happy that you and Vol Fan had a wonderful anniversary trip! Although, his disregard for rim safety is concerning me....

(Sometimes!) Serendipitous Girl said...

Your pictures are great! And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Love, love, love sunsets.

I Am Woody said...

When Vol Fan decided to go out onto that rock, I said "Well, leave the backpack here" - meaning I didn't want him to have anything that might affect his balance but it sounded more like when you fall, I'll be needing that water!!!

The couple walking by got a BIG kick out of that!!

imom said...

What a perfect way to spend your anniversary. Just this morning I told my husband that we HAVE to go the Grand Canyon. I gave him a deadline of next year. I think we should rent a motorhome and do it up right!

mom x 2 said...

OMG! Your pictures are amazing!! Happy Anniversary!

Desert Survivor said...

What a fantastic day! You sure saw it right--through all the changing shadows and light conditions.