Welcome to a world of wonder. They say the Grand Canyon in Arizona isn’t just spectacular--- It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world, along with Mount Everest in Nepal, Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Lights, Paricutin Volcano in Mexico and Harbor of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
The 277-mile long, one-mile deep canyon covers a total of 1,903 square miles. Its history began billions of years with geologic forces ever shaping and redefining its constant changes. Five different Native American tribes presently occupy the region--- Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Pauite, and Hualapai.
 |
| The little bears enjoying an overlook of the canyon |
 |
| Yippie, time to snow dance |
The Colorado River in the depths of
the canyon starts from the head waters of the Green River in Wyoming, passes
west through five states, bends south and empties into the Gulf of California in Mexico.
A
light snow shower fell the first afternoon making it too chilly to go do any
sightseeing at the south rim.. Day two in the Jeep stopping to view all the panoramic
rim overlooks along Desert View Drive became a good trip. The storm had passed
and the sky was blue.
There are
some amazing views of the Colorado River as one heads east along that 25-mile
drive. Day three using the shuttle bus route from Verkamp’s Visitor Center to
Hermit’s Rest was the only option available for folks wishing to explore the
last seven miles of stunning overlooks along the south rim. Traffic
restrictions have been put in place to keep cars off the road. It is no wonder
as the Canyon attracts 4.5 million visitors from all over the world annually.
 |
| Ravens soar |
 |
| Elk roam freely |
 |
| Squirrels cache pinyon nuts |
 |
| Hopi House has fine Native American art displays for a hefty price |
 |
| Hopi sand paintings have spiritual significance (value $2100) |
 |
| Zuni pottery ($750) and Navajo rug ($3500) |
 |
| El Tovar is the south rim Great Lodge |
The weather hit a cold spell dropping the temperature to a
low of 15ºs. In the motor home the last night we watched a dvd movie and drank
hot toddies all cozy and warm by the electric heater. It was a far cry from our
backpack hiking adventure camping
in a pup tent and eating canned spaghetti down at the bottom depths of the
canyon gorge many, many moons ago.
Whether one comes to hike, bike, river raft,
mule ride, or simply sightsee, the Grand Canyon is still an awe inspiring,
magnificent natural wonder with expansive vistas that have endured beyond the
ages. Those with deep pockets for a $60 fee can have the ultimate view for a thrill.
 |
| Grand Canyon Skywalk |
 |
| JR prefers to get his thrills on his own out on a ledge |
 |
| Each overlook has a majestic beauty all its own. |
