Day 5 - Grand Canyon

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2nd day in Grand Canyon

I woke up at 5 am to catch the sunrise over the canyon. I was thinking “come on, is it really worth it?” but I was up so off I went… I missed the first shuttle that would bring me directly where I wanted to go and if I waited for the next one, I would definitely miss it so I hopped on one that went to a different look-out.
First thing were several elk having breakfast off the road - pretty cool…

Then sunrise- I missed it when it was just below the rim which was probably some of the best light… and once it came over the rim, it was so bright that everything else was dark. Who said sunrise was the best time for pics?? Ok - some of these turned out quite nice and I think if I was at the lookout I was supposed to get to, the angle would have been just right. So I started walking in that direction.

It was a great morning, nice and cool with hardly anyone else on the trail with me. I have some nice shots of the canyon with the morning light. Got some pictures of Buzzy in a tree… and a couple of me near a pretty cool tree also. Love that tree.

I was walking along when I noticed a few people just standing there staring back at me - and then I saw the elk eating the shrubbery right next to me! I walked right up to it and didn’t even notice at first!! I wonder how many things I walked by when I wasn’t looking… I had a tendency to stare at the canyon a good lot of the time.

The picture of the other people with the big elk is just to show you that it was not just the zoom that allowed for that shot. Unbelievable they just didn’t care!! A few of them were just walking along and grazing…

I have a lot more shots of the canyon that I think are wonderful of course but it would make for boring blog stuff so I’ll move along. I started up another trail on the other side of the village and lots of little lizards chose to run out and greet me. This one in particular just loved the camera! Posed for me on several rocks. I am only including one lizard shot even though I have many. I have a thing for lizards.

Something big and dark swooped over me, startled me!! What do I see but a huge California Condor! It landed on a rock just a wee bit out and as I quickly tried to move in to a better position for a shot, two more joined it!! Look at these pictures!! (and isn’t my super zoom awesome??) Apparently some people from one of the protection agencies were tracking these guys (notice their big number tags) and one guy ran out and chased them off the rocks - said they were trying to avoid having other people try to get close to them (as some people of course did try to do…). So I got a few shots of them in flight too - just amazing. These guys seemed to be posing too!! I am only posting one but I have a few great shots.

That was the end of my morning as I needed a break and some lunch. I headed back out later on and unfortunately the really bright light does not make for good pictures. Great views, but not such good pictures. Again I used my scathingly brilliant idea of using my polarized sunglasses to get a few shots. I really like the way it turned out and in the next town I am in, I think I will try to buy an actual polarized lens filter.

The picture with the white arrow in it is actually pointing to a squirrel (who blends in with the background too well…) who perched there on the rock and was just looking out for such a long time! It was so cute! One of the local’s enjoying the view.

Yet another thunderstorm rolled in and started raining on me so I headed back to the lodge. Missed my last chance at more sunset shots but that’s ok. I have a few shots I am quite pleased with…

I walked a lot of miles the last couple of days - I think it’s time for maybe a jeep tour!!

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Photos

Elk breakfast
There were several of them here.

Sunrise
and those are the rest of the people up early at Mather Point

me and a cool tree
I really like this tree

elk grazing
Just off the path! this is not just a result of my superzoom.

ELK!
Proof I didn't have to use my zoom!

My little friend
This guy LOVED the camera

California Condors
just amazing! you can see their tracking tags

Condors in flight
They did several fly-by's. I think they were hoping one of us would keel over so they could have lunch.

Sunrise shot
The light really is good in the morning...

Locals like the view too
the arrow is pointing to a squirrel who perched at the rim enjoying the view.

Comments

[anonymous]

I think maybe you are having a good time.