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Published: October 12th 2008
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Morning View from Transcept Trail
Richard went for an early morning walk along the trail near the campground. Thursday, October 9, 2008 We awoke to increasing winds, lower temperatures, and a forecast of snow by the weekend, a sure indication that the winter closure of the North Rim was not far away. Being northerners used to just about any kind of weather, and delighted at the clear blue sky, we grabbed more layers of clothes and headed for a day of sight seeing, photography and walking along the accessible parts of the North Rim.
The great thing about many of the National Parks we have visited is that they are well prepared for the crowds that visit, with many opportunities for short walks and longer hikes, cycling, and just about any other activity a visitor may wish to undertake. And there are displays about historical use of the land, ruins of early inhabitants, many great geological information panels and stops. Strategically located viewpoints. Something to peak the interest of everyone who visits, able-bodied or not. Oh, and very large parking lots, and shuttle buses to get people around without too much stress.
There were clean toilets everywhere with antiseptic hand wash, some of them special composting toilets. Recycling bins at every stop. What an organized eco-friendly
Point Imperial
The winds were ferocious, causing extra excitement getting to the overlooks. operation. We liked that.
Kayla was not expecting places where the views would be unobstructed, free of railings, fences, safety barriers and ‘Do Not Cross this line’ signs, along with liability statements galore. However, we found quite the opposite and were able to step right to the edge of any cliff we so desired and look straight down.
Warning to parents: don’t bring young children to the Grand Canyon without a strong tether, or you will know nothing but stress the whole time.
The North Rim view points were all accessible from a short drive, with stops a few miles apart. We saw them all, and braved the ferocious gusty winds to go right to the final overlook of each one, and to take whatever walks were available to get there.
Determined to see another sunset at a beautiful overlook, just like at Dead Horse Point in Moab, we opted out of the four-mile walk to and from Bright Angel Point from the campground, which meant a walk back along the rim in the dark, still in ferocious winds, and drove to the parking lot at the North Rim Lodge. People were still braving the cold and
From Point Imperial
North Rim Grand Canyon winds to get out there, even with the narrow catwalks along the way, and we had company when the sun went down, some even in shorts and T-shirts. Candidates for hypothermia, to be sure. However, it was as beautiful as expected, even if we had to hold on for dear life to keep from getting gusted away over the rim. And we ended the day well satisfied that we had done the North Rim proud as first-time visitors. (Kayla still thinks a mule ride into the canyon would have been fun.)
We slept fitfully to the howl of the winds overnight, wondering how well rooted the campground trees were.
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