The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and 109˚ Temps!

One of the things I wanted to do on this trip since the day I decided I was heading West again was to sit on the North rim of the Grand Canyon. Wednesday I got my wish.

The trip to the North Rim was a mixture or awe and sadness. On the route I passed through two very large burned sections - one fairly new with nothing growing and another with a year or so of growth. One section I passed through was blackened for as far as the eye could see.

Once at the park, I set out for Bright Angel Point. Once there (only about a half mile) I walked out on the point and then about fifty yards back climbed up onto a higher ledge where a Utah Juniper offered a perfect seat. The following photo gallery doesn't truly illustrate the vast depth and true size of this amazing natural wonder.

My Perch

The Canyon and some of its trees. I will definitely return later next week to explore more.

On the way back I had my typical ribeye at Texas Roadhouse. Yummy!

Early Thursday morning I headed to Zion National Park. Note to self - and others. Get up earlier! By 8:30 am the parking at Zion is full and you need to park in Springdale and take the bus to the park or walk. I chose to walk the 1.3 miles to the park. Once there, I waited in a very long line trying my best not to moo like a cow as we wove our way to the never ending two-bus trams that travel up and down the Zion Canyon. I rode the tram to the very end and walked the Riverside trail to the Narrows. Between the Cyanobacterium toxin in the water and the zillion people already heading into the Narrows, I decided not to go any further and turned around and took a relaxing walk back along the Virgin River (2.2 miles round trip). Despite the algae/bacteria matts in the water, it was still a beautiful walk with some beautiful flowers (note the columbine) and birds (didn't get any shots.)

Once again, I boarded the tram for the stop at The Grotto. From there I hiked the Kayenta Trail to both the upper and middle "Emerald Pools." The entire hike was about 5.2 miles (106º temps and for much of the trail - very little shade) at times I did stop and find a few perches where I could cool down in the shade of a small group of trees or rocks. Very hot but beautiful!

By the time I finished, I was boiled and baked to my limit so I headed back to my car (another 1.3 miles.) On the way I stopped for a much need iced chai and relaxed in the shade of a small coffeeshop. A hot but beautiful day.

On the way home, my car registered 109º - the hottest it has ever registered! Needless to say I was happy to get back and enjoy a relaxing dinner of Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara and lots of ice-cold iced tea!

Friday and Saturday I decided to relax and work on photos, this blog and some school work for Penn State. The view from my balcony is very relaxing and despite the 100º + temps the last three days, I am enjoying life! Stay Tuned!!!