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Published: October 19th 2012
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This morning we rose and discovered some one of nature's real beauties, the Grand Canyon. The first time we viewed this monstous crack in the earth, it was awe-inspiring. We viewed Mather Point first with many photo opportunities. It's located on the east side of the viewing rim near the Visitors Center. While there, we listened to a park ranger's discussion of wildlife in the park, at the Mather Point Amphitheater. Most of the talk was on Big Horn Sheep (not Mountain Goats as Sweetie originally thought!) and their ability to adapt to this rough terrain. We then viewed a 30 minute film on the history of the Grand Canyon, with narration by Peter Coyote. Truly amazing how this canyon has transformed over 2 billion years.
We also learned about the history of eight (8) different native American tribes that have inhabited this area over the years. We also found out who "discovered" or rather "documented" the modern era that started with the expedition of John Wesly Powell, the first to record and survive the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Afterward the development of the Canyon and formation of the Natural Park. The Parks service has free programs throughout
the day throughout the park with something for everyone's interest. We met up with a ranger who helped us focus our hikes to get the most out of our trip - take advantage of your Park Rangers - they're great people!
After an uninspired lunch at Market Plaza (cafeteria food which we all know Sweetie hates due to her experience financing sneeze guards in the past), we start on the Trail of Time. Beginning at the Yavapai Geology museum, it's a two (2) mile geological walk through time, along the south rim. The vistas are breathtaking and frequent stops are impossible to avoid. Different views from areas just visited are astounding. Also, the sun plays a big factor on how the canyon looks. We conclude this walk at the Verkamp's Curios Shop, a gift shop that was built over a 100 years ago. The Verkamp family resided on the second floor of this building - Asshole managed to keep Sweetie from being an AHole by keeping her off the second floor. Next door is Hopi House. Built with canyon rock, it has always been a place to display and sell Native American Art. We both wanted to explore the
upstairs of this building, but it was roped off when we arrived.
It was nightfall, time to make it back to our car and room. Figuring out the parks transit system was easy for us, Ha! Ha! We decide on dinner back in Tusanyan at Sophie's Mexican Kitchen. We order some prickly pear margaritas and some queso cheese dip. Margaritas are delicious and we are still trying to figure out what the queso was made of - Brantley told us they don't do cheese dip out West and Sophie's confirmed that! Sweetie has the "creepy crud" (that's what Lynda used to call it) and not feeling well so orders a mexican meatball soup. I order street tacos of shredded beef, chicken, and carnitas. We head back to the park with knowing Tigers have swept the Yankees and Cardinals leading Giants 3 games to 1.
Another day at the Canyon tomorrow!
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