The Sequel October 27 The North Rim

 

Sunday, October 27  The North Rim

Meowt!  Meowt!  Smells good!

Our morning walk was along the dirt road with our bright orange bicycle vests on.  I know we are in the ‘no shooting zone’ but no sense in taking chances.  I love walking through forests like this.

After breakfast, we headed to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  We pass a huge burn scar, then come upon a huge meadow surrounded by pine trees.  Not just the lodgepole pines and such from the south rim, but Christmas trees!  Douglas firs and Noble firs mixed with bright yellow aspens follow the road all the way.  One would normally expect to see wildlife… but not with hunting season in progress!  It has snowed recently as there is a thick layer along the tree line.  Otherwise, it is dry.

Once we pass into the Grand Canyon, the road is not so nice.  We found the campground.  I have looked at the website and thought of booking a site supposedly suitable for our size.  NO WAY!  The sites may be big enough, but there is no room to maneuver.  And just because a site is long enough, it does not mean you would be open your sliders.  Good thing we made this a day trip!

Technically, the park is closed, so no visitor center, no hotels, restaurants, etc.  But the views are totally open!  Fall colors enhance the views.  Oh my… it is beautiful.  We hike here… we hike there…  We went to the North Kaibab trail.  This connects to the South Kaibab trail for those hiking rim to rim…  7 miles down to the river, 7 miles up from the river, then you come back.  It is about 1 pm, and we talked to many that were completing the entire trip. 

Since my surgically repaired knee is still healing, I figured I could do about ½ mile without doing harm.  The trail on this side of the canyon is far more forested.  It is a soft dirt trail, and of course, steep.  Easy loping down, lots of work coming back up.  Stunning views with gorgeous fall colors are intoxicating.

Once back, we explored a couple of the areas by car.  We ended up at Imperial Point.  At 8803 feet, it is the highest point for viewing.  Alas, time to leave this spectacular scenery behind and head back.

At Artee, I had enough service where I could keep tabs on the Dodgers on MLB.Com…  And watch the replay of Freddie Freeman’s game winning grand slam home run!  Yes..