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Published: April 14th 2010
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Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th April Monument Valley to Grand Canyon National Park It was another long one yesterday. The wind was howling across the desert and in a high-sided vehicle like ours the journey wasn't particularly pleasant. We restricted our speed to 50mph, but that meant it took us a little longer than expected to get to the Grand Canyon National Park. Hooray for Thomas (the tank engine). Lunch was at the first viewpoint as you entered the park, Desert View. I think we did really well, we controlled our excitement and managed to eat our lunch first before heading down the footpath to get our first glimpse of the Grand Canyon.
When we arrived in the early afternoon, the weather was fantastic - clear blue skies and a calm wind. What a great first impression of the canyon. From desert view we headed to Grand Canyon Village and our home for the next two nights at 'Trailer Village'. It's official we are now Trailer Park Trash! The weather began to turn as soon as we parked up, with what started out as rain. Never having let a bit of water stop us before we ceratinly weren't going to
let it now. On our way to the east side of the village via the shuttle bus, that rain turned to snow, which as you can see from the pictures began to settle (I think it made it to a couple of inches overnight). Jonathan made it very clear that it was worth freezing our arses off for the rack of ribs he had in the restaurant - the best he's ever tasted! Another shuttle bus ride and yet again an early night - all this fresh air is starting to finally help us both relax.
We woke up to a campsite covered in snow, but relatively clear skies. It was cloudy but we had faith that it would clear later on. Rather than head into the canyon, a difficult trail on a clear, dry day but what would have been dangerous after a snowfall, we chose to walk the West Rim trail instead. This is an eight or so mile footpath that leads round the edge of the canyon (it's also served by the shuttle buses so we had the safety of knowing we could hop on and off if we needed to). Jack has managed to get
himself into a bit of a routine now and morning sleeps in the rucksack are becoming common place, this does mean that he continues to miss some of the best scenery in the world, but he's happier for it! It's so hard to explain how huge this place is, it's beyond comprehension when you're here so putting it into words is near on impossible. Hopefully Jonathans picture of the lone photographer can help with the perspective of the place. Lunch was at the end of the trail at a little place called Hermits Rest. We wouldn't recommend it, billed as a snack bar you'd expect to be able to purchase something resembling a lunchtime meal - err no! You could get crisps and nuts and muffins but that was about it. It certainly wasn't the healthiest lunch we've ever had.
We got a great few family photos of the three of us using the genius that is a remote control for the camera. It's brillant, none of this fiddling around setting a timer and making a mad dash into position. You can take your time, sort yourselves out and then when you're ready hit the magic button. It's great
as long as you remember to move the remote control out of the frame before the picture is taken (Lucille).
I definitely think we've visited at the right time. Yes, it was cold and yes we had snow but we also had a whole lot less other visitors to contend with. An upshot of which is that the park wildlife seemed to move freely through the village and the roads, especially the elk and deer, and we're talking herds of, not just the odd one. Not yet spotted a mountain lion but I don't think we're overly bothered if we don't!
Hopefully we'll be able to post this tomorrow morning (today) before we head off to our next stop south of here at Flagstaff.
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Helen Webster
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Armchair travels
Just thought I'd let you know that we are checking out your blog and are loving reading about your adventures. We getting inspired! Can't wait to hear about them in person over a few drinkies in May. Will it be Pimms season yet? Was planning to 'crate' you after your starring role in the Sixth Sense until I discovered James in the same edition- bugger! Carry on having a wonderful time you have all earnt it big time. Big Webster love xxx