8 Days Around The Grand Canyon - Day 1
Oct 2nd, 2006, 05:43 PM
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8 Days Around The Grand Canyon - Day 1
This is my first time posting a trip report on this forum but I did wish to share our trip.
We started planning this trip with our best friends, another couple here in small town, SC about 14 months ago. We had recently returned from a trip to Alaska with them and since we did not kill each other during that trip we thought we would plan another.
After many months of sitting around each others kitchen table with maps and a laptop computer we came up with the following trip which began on Sept. 8 and culmanated on Sept. 15 of 2006.
The travelers on this trip were myself and my wife, Russ and Vivian, and our friends Terry and Judy.
On Thursday, the 8th we woke at 4AM to be ready for pick up by our son at 5AM. We picked up Terry and Judy on the way to the airport. We flew from GSP in Greenville to Cincinatti and from there to Las Vegas. Total trip time was 6.5 hours.
When we got to LAS we hopped on our Alamo shuttle to pick up our rental SUV. Bad experience here. We stood in line for over 30 minutes before someone told us they now have kiosks if you have a reservation. After getting the paperwork completed we headed out to pick out our GMC Envoy XL which I had reserved 6 months ago. WRONG! The only SUV they had was a Chevy Trailblazer. They gave us a $30 credit for the mistake and sent us on our way. Alamo got the last $ from me they will ever see.
I had packed my Garmin Etrex Legend C GPS and we booted it up and told it to take us to Sam's Club. There we bought a case of Cokes and a case of water for the trip. After that we saw a Marie Calenders where we stopped for lunch. Good food, great service. Try it if you are in Vegas. We had rooms at the MGM Grand for one night so we pulled up and let the valet do his thing with the car while we made like the Clampets as we stood in the lobby. Very impressive and the smell of roses permeated the air. Our rooms here were nice and had a view of the roof. What do you expect for $100.00? We walked around and checked out the area around the hotel and then got ready for our Neon and Lights tour of Vegas via Greyline tours. They picked us up at the hotel and took us to their office where we joined up with other tourist out for the night. We met Ethel, our driver, and Erv, our guide and boarded the bus. Erv was a great guide and pointed out all the "must sees" as we drove around. Our first stop was The Rio where we saw the free floor show. We then went over to the Belagio where we watched the dancing fountains. Our last stop was Fremont Street where we had an hour to look around and eat. We ate at Binon's where I had the $7.89 prime rib. It was worth the money. About 10:30 PM we are dropped back off at the hotel and realize we have been going for for over 20 hours. We slept well.
Next stop will be Hoover Dam and Williams AZ along route 66.
We started planning this trip with our best friends, another couple here in small town, SC about 14 months ago. We had recently returned from a trip to Alaska with them and since we did not kill each other during that trip we thought we would plan another.
After many months of sitting around each others kitchen table with maps and a laptop computer we came up with the following trip which began on Sept. 8 and culmanated on Sept. 15 of 2006.
The travelers on this trip were myself and my wife, Russ and Vivian, and our friends Terry and Judy.
On Thursday, the 8th we woke at 4AM to be ready for pick up by our son at 5AM. We picked up Terry and Judy on the way to the airport. We flew from GSP in Greenville to Cincinatti and from there to Las Vegas. Total trip time was 6.5 hours.
When we got to LAS we hopped on our Alamo shuttle to pick up our rental SUV. Bad experience here. We stood in line for over 30 minutes before someone told us they now have kiosks if you have a reservation. After getting the paperwork completed we headed out to pick out our GMC Envoy XL which I had reserved 6 months ago. WRONG! The only SUV they had was a Chevy Trailblazer. They gave us a $30 credit for the mistake and sent us on our way. Alamo got the last $ from me they will ever see.
I had packed my Garmin Etrex Legend C GPS and we booted it up and told it to take us to Sam's Club. There we bought a case of Cokes and a case of water for the trip. After that we saw a Marie Calenders where we stopped for lunch. Good food, great service. Try it if you are in Vegas. We had rooms at the MGM Grand for one night so we pulled up and let the valet do his thing with the car while we made like the Clampets as we stood in the lobby. Very impressive and the smell of roses permeated the air. Our rooms here were nice and had a view of the roof. What do you expect for $100.00? We walked around and checked out the area around the hotel and then got ready for our Neon and Lights tour of Vegas via Greyline tours. They picked us up at the hotel and took us to their office where we joined up with other tourist out for the night. We met Ethel, our driver, and Erv, our guide and boarded the bus. Erv was a great guide and pointed out all the "must sees" as we drove around. Our first stop was The Rio where we saw the free floor show. We then went over to the Belagio where we watched the dancing fountains. Our last stop was Fremont Street where we had an hour to look around and eat. We ate at Binon's where I had the $7.89 prime rib. It was worth the money. About 10:30 PM we are dropped back off at the hotel and realize we have been going for for over 20 hours. We slept well.
Next stop will be Hoover Dam and Williams AZ along route 66.
Oct 2nd, 2006, 10:08 PM
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Thanks for posting! It would be great if you can keep posting about your trip in this thread, rather than starting a new one for each section of the trip. Otherwise, the parts get scattered and are hard to find and read.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
Oct 7th, 2006, 09:51 AM
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DAY TWO
Per ElendilPickle's request I will continue my trip report on this thread and change the title as I do so.
On day 2 of our trip we had breakfast at The Rainforest Cafe inside MGM which was really good and well priced. We the loaded up our Trailblazer, put some drinks on ice in the fold up cooler and headed East out of town. Our GPS led us out with no problem and led us straight to Hoover Dam. We had all seen the specials on TV about the Hoover Dam so we had decided no to allow time for the tour. We were just going to stop for a while and look at it and then leave. Another mistake. After seeing this man made marvel we wish we had allowed time for the tour. They are in the process of building a bridge here that will take some of the traffic off of the dam. We will return and see this again. If you go here take time to find the grave site for the mascot. The soft serve ice cream at the gift shop was refreshing.
After leaving the dam we headed on to Kingman where we picked up RT 66. I just wanted to be able to say I drove this route once in my life. Now, it's been there, done that, won't do it again. There was not much to see except rocks and an occasional train.
We drove on in to Williams, AZ where we had ressies at Buffalo Pointe B&B. We had quaint well appointed rooms with queen beds. The manager pointed us towards Cruisers Café 66 for dinner. It was an old gas station that had been converted. They had a charcol grill going out front and a cowboy singer entertaining. It was kinda cool but the food was nothing to write home about. After filling up with fuel ($47)we headed over to Twister's Soda Fountain for a sunde. Nice stop and very nostalgic.
That evening our friends had trouble with no hot water and could not find the manager. One of the other guests told them he was at the bar. They finally rounded him up and he fixed the hot water problem. We slept well that night except when the train came through.
Per ElendilPickle's request I will continue my trip report on this thread and change the title as I do so.
On day 2 of our trip we had breakfast at The Rainforest Cafe inside MGM which was really good and well priced. We the loaded up our Trailblazer, put some drinks on ice in the fold up cooler and headed East out of town. Our GPS led us out with no problem and led us straight to Hoover Dam. We had all seen the specials on TV about the Hoover Dam so we had decided no to allow time for the tour. We were just going to stop for a while and look at it and then leave. Another mistake. After seeing this man made marvel we wish we had allowed time for the tour. They are in the process of building a bridge here that will take some of the traffic off of the dam. We will return and see this again. If you go here take time to find the grave site for the mascot. The soft serve ice cream at the gift shop was refreshing.
After leaving the dam we headed on to Kingman where we picked up RT 66. I just wanted to be able to say I drove this route once in my life. Now, it's been there, done that, won't do it again. There was not much to see except rocks and an occasional train.
We drove on in to Williams, AZ where we had ressies at Buffalo Pointe B&B. We had quaint well appointed rooms with queen beds. The manager pointed us towards Cruisers Café 66 for dinner. It was an old gas station that had been converted. They had a charcol grill going out front and a cowboy singer entertaining. It was kinda cool but the food was nothing to write home about. After filling up with fuel ($47)we headed over to Twister's Soda Fountain for a sunde. Nice stop and very nostalgic.
That evening our friends had trouble with no hot water and could not find the manager. One of the other guests told them he was at the bar. They finally rounded him up and he fixed the hot water problem. We slept well that night except when the train came through.
Oct 7th, 2006, 12:38 PM
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DAY 3
We awoke bright and early thinking our breakfast and coffe would be ready. Wrong!! I guess the late night at the bar worked on the manager so he did not feel like cooking. We knocked, we rang the bell and yelled to no avail. We finally gave up and headed to Pine Country Restaurant where we had a great breakfast. When we walked in to the restaurant I was taken back to see a group of cowboys sitting in the back. It looked just like a scene from Tombstone. Come to find out they were the actors who do the shootout at the depot every Saturday. The breakfast was great. I had the country fried steak with 2 eggs and cottage fries. Friendly folks and good food. What more could you ask for?
After breakfast we headed toward the canyon airport where we were to board a helicopter at Papillon Helicopter Tours for our first view of the Grand Canyon. When we got there we were told that because of the low clouds and rain that morning our trip had been canceled, not rescheduled, and we would have to come back later in the day and they would try to work us in. They were taking the next group, not rescheduling them. Well, I had a few words with the nice folks at the counter about their policy and they finally asked if I would like to go with another company. "Better believe it"I said. They scheduled us for 1 hour later which gave us time to go to the park and see the canyon in the rain before the tour. Best thing that happened all day was them refering us to Grand Canyon Copters. These folks were just up the road and were so friendly and professional. They had bigger and better helicopters (per our pilot) and could fly in anything. Our pilot had been a Nam pilot which made my buddy Terry and me feel real good. We are both Nam vets, him Army and me Navy, and we hit it off with this guy right off. PAY ATTENTION HERE - If you are going to The Grand Canyon and can beg, borrow or steal the cost of a helicopter tour DO IT. It was around $360 per couple and it was awsome. Just wait until you fly off of the edge and out into space. We flew over the North Rim and way East. We could see the green of the Colorado mixing with another brown water river and it was just so exciting. We had all took a helicopter tour during our Alaska trip that landed us on a glacier but we agreed that this was the better of the two. They had made our picture in front of the copter before we left and we bought a copy. It will be on the wall beside the one of the 4 of us standing on a glacier.
Remember - This life is not a dress rehearsal. This is the only shot you are going to get. Make it a good shot. Please note that we are not rich except in memories. We save our money and take quality vacations with quality people after making very detailed plans.
After the helicopter ride we cranked up the ole SUV and headed to our cabin at Bright Angel Lodge. While researching this trip we found that this cabins go fast so we set our dates and then reserved the cabins one year in advance. We were only about 20 yards from the edge of the canyon. We had a canyon view and a private bath but not all facilities here do. Make sure of what you are reserving so you will not be disappointed.
We had lunch at the Bright Angel Restaurant. Service was great and the food was so good. My wife had the beef stew in a sourdough bread bowl. It was so big and very reasonable.
After lunch we rode around and made ourselves familiar with the park. About 3PM we were allowed to check in and settle down.
I had no phone service once we entered the park (Verizon) but Bright Angel does have an Internet computer in the lobby with a dollar slot on it. A couple of $$ will get you enough time to check email. Our room had cable TV so we could keep up with what was going on in college football.
We stood by the rim of the canyon and watched the sun set and the we had dinner that night in the Arizona Room at Bright Angel. Another A1 place. About 10PM we called it a night and drifted off to sleep only 20 yards from the edge of one of the wonders of the world. More later.
We awoke bright and early thinking our breakfast and coffe would be ready. Wrong!! I guess the late night at the bar worked on the manager so he did not feel like cooking. We knocked, we rang the bell and yelled to no avail. We finally gave up and headed to Pine Country Restaurant where we had a great breakfast. When we walked in to the restaurant I was taken back to see a group of cowboys sitting in the back. It looked just like a scene from Tombstone. Come to find out they were the actors who do the shootout at the depot every Saturday. The breakfast was great. I had the country fried steak with 2 eggs and cottage fries. Friendly folks and good food. What more could you ask for?
After breakfast we headed toward the canyon airport where we were to board a helicopter at Papillon Helicopter Tours for our first view of the Grand Canyon. When we got there we were told that because of the low clouds and rain that morning our trip had been canceled, not rescheduled, and we would have to come back later in the day and they would try to work us in. They were taking the next group, not rescheduling them. Well, I had a few words with the nice folks at the counter about their policy and they finally asked if I would like to go with another company. "Better believe it"I said. They scheduled us for 1 hour later which gave us time to go to the park and see the canyon in the rain before the tour. Best thing that happened all day was them refering us to Grand Canyon Copters. These folks were just up the road and were so friendly and professional. They had bigger and better helicopters (per our pilot) and could fly in anything. Our pilot had been a Nam pilot which made my buddy Terry and me feel real good. We are both Nam vets, him Army and me Navy, and we hit it off with this guy right off. PAY ATTENTION HERE - If you are going to The Grand Canyon and can beg, borrow or steal the cost of a helicopter tour DO IT. It was around $360 per couple and it was awsome. Just wait until you fly off of the edge and out into space. We flew over the North Rim and way East. We could see the green of the Colorado mixing with another brown water river and it was just so exciting. We had all took a helicopter tour during our Alaska trip that landed us on a glacier but we agreed that this was the better of the two. They had made our picture in front of the copter before we left and we bought a copy. It will be on the wall beside the one of the 4 of us standing on a glacier.
Remember - This life is not a dress rehearsal. This is the only shot you are going to get. Make it a good shot. Please note that we are not rich except in memories. We save our money and take quality vacations with quality people after making very detailed plans.
After the helicopter ride we cranked up the ole SUV and headed to our cabin at Bright Angel Lodge. While researching this trip we found that this cabins go fast so we set our dates and then reserved the cabins one year in advance. We were only about 20 yards from the edge of the canyon. We had a canyon view and a private bath but not all facilities here do. Make sure of what you are reserving so you will not be disappointed.
We had lunch at the Bright Angel Restaurant. Service was great and the food was so good. My wife had the beef stew in a sourdough bread bowl. It was so big and very reasonable.
After lunch we rode around and made ourselves familiar with the park. About 3PM we were allowed to check in and settle down.
I had no phone service once we entered the park (Verizon) but Bright Angel does have an Internet computer in the lobby with a dollar slot on it. A couple of $$ will get you enough time to check email. Our room had cable TV so we could keep up with what was going on in college football.
We stood by the rim of the canyon and watched the sun set and the we had dinner that night in the Arizona Room at Bright Angel. Another A1 place. About 10PM we called it a night and drifted off to sleep only 20 yards from the edge of one of the wonders of the world. More later.
Oct 7th, 2006, 12:45 PM
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ruvidu, you were posting your Day 3 when I was posting the above comment (re your rish in memories part). Don't take the prime rib comment seriously, it just strikes me as so Vegas to have a $7.89 prime rib that is worth the money.
and how cool is that re the cowboys?
I admire you getting the bright Angel cabin a yr ahead of time. Great planning went into this trip, and you didn't let the 1st helicopter co. keep you down (pun intended).
Can't wait for more. It is a dreary rainy day here and I am sick, and this report is as good as a bowl of chicken soup. I've only been to GC once and I really want to go back again.
and how cool is that re the cowboys?
I admire you getting the bright Angel cabin a yr ahead of time. Great planning went into this trip, and you didn't let the 1st helicopter co. keep you down (pun intended).
Can't wait for more. It is a dreary rainy day here and I am sick, and this report is as good as a bowl of chicken soup. I've only been to GC once and I really want to go back again.
Sorry you missed the Hoover Dam tour. It's quite interesting. Next time.
Oct 8th, 2006, 01:43 PM
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8 Days Around The Grand Canyon Day-4
We were up at 5:15AM to watch the sun rise and it was worth any sleep we may have lost. I found that it is not the actual first view of the sun that is so amazing in the canyon as it is on the coast. It is the gradual warming of colors while the sun is still below the horizon. If you are a photographer this is the time you need to be out. Get you a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the Bright Angel bar and set up somewhere along the rim path to watch somthing absolutly beautiful. We sat and stood there for about 2 hours just watching the canyon come to life with color. Everyone that is up that time of morning is usually a morning person and in a good mood. Such was the case here. Even my dear wife of 37 years who's motto is "if God wanted me to see a sunrise he would have it happen at 10:00AM" was right beside me and smiling. If you have a programable camera you will want to under expose your shots about 1 - 1.5 stops to get the best exposure. Make sure the shadows are deep to show off the peaks and valleys.
After sunrise we went back to Bright Angel for breakfast. Again the food and service was awsome. The waitress we had for lunch the day before saw us and come over to make sure we were being taken care of. The ladies both had the fruit platter with banana nut bread. It would have fed two. Terry and I had somthing that was not as healthy or memorable.
After breakfast we stopped by the cabins for our day bags and headed out to the shuttle stop. The free shuttles are the way to go. There is plenty of room and it just a little bumpy. You can get on and off as much as you like. We got off at about every stop heading up to hermit's rest but two of our favorites were the Powell Memorial stop and The Abyss. WOW is all I can say. You can get refreshments at only Hermit's Rest. If you need a lot of water you had better take a bottle with you.
After going West on the shuttle we caught the return shuttle and headed back down to Bright Angel for lunch. We had decided to try The Arizona Room for lunch and I am glad we did. The food was good but my favorite part was meeting an American/Latino (forgive me if this is not politically correct) who was the hostess. For lunch here they have the menu on the wall and you tell the hostess what you will have. She then seats you and your food is delivered shortly. While she and I were talking I heard a familiar accent (New York) and asked her where she was from. She answered, New York, and I then guessed, Brooklyn? She hit me on the shoulder and said "No honey, I am from Spanish Harlam, From The Hood To Woods." She was a treasure and we chatted a little before we were seated. I don't think I met anyone in Arizona who was from Arizona but everyone we met loved Arizona.
Again the food was good and the service was fast. You can sit here and look out over the canyon too.
After lunch we stopped by the gift shop for the 20th time since we got here. My wife was scared to death they would have somthing new and she would not see it.
After the gift shop it was time to get on the East bound shuttle and see that part of the Canyon. While we were waiting on the shuttle a couple walked by us and started up the steps to the restaurant when a deer jumped up from beside the steps and ran right by us. I believe the lady of the couple may have had to go back to her cabin before continuing her journey that day. That deer was less than 3 feet from her when he passed.
Again we got on and off and enjoyed the afternoon. Along the way I felt someone tap me on the shoulder and he said he noted the name of my hometown on the back of my ballcap. He wanted to know if that was were I was from and I answered yes. He then told me he was from Greenville, just up the road and was a retired school teacher who did sub teaching at our local school. Small world out there. I always carry ballcaps with our town's name on them just for this reason. It also keeps folks from asking if I am from Texas when I speak.
For dinner this night we had reservations at El Tovar. I had made them 3 months in advance because we had read great things about El Tovar. Now, it was good and the service was special but for the money Bright Angel or Arizona Room was just as good. When we came out of the lodge after eating there were 4 deer grazing on the grass out front. They let us make their photos and really tolorated us while they had their dinner.
We took a slow walk along the rim with a full moon lighting our way until we got back to our cabin. Another day well spent.
NOTE to emd. My wife gave me the GPS last year for Christmas and yes, I have used it a good bit. I purchased the road map CD and a car package with bean bag mount and power cable. I then bought an inexpensive camera bag that all of it fits into. I really wish it had more memory but that is the only fault I see with it. The CX version comes with a memory card. We like the fact that you can see your ETA and Speed and altitude as you go along.
More later,
Ruv
We were up at 5:15AM to watch the sun rise and it was worth any sleep we may have lost. I found that it is not the actual first view of the sun that is so amazing in the canyon as it is on the coast. It is the gradual warming of colors while the sun is still below the horizon. If you are a photographer this is the time you need to be out. Get you a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the Bright Angel bar and set up somewhere along the rim path to watch somthing absolutly beautiful. We sat and stood there for about 2 hours just watching the canyon come to life with color. Everyone that is up that time of morning is usually a morning person and in a good mood. Such was the case here. Even my dear wife of 37 years who's motto is "if God wanted me to see a sunrise he would have it happen at 10:00AM" was right beside me and smiling. If you have a programable camera you will want to under expose your shots about 1 - 1.5 stops to get the best exposure. Make sure the shadows are deep to show off the peaks and valleys.
After sunrise we went back to Bright Angel for breakfast. Again the food and service was awsome. The waitress we had for lunch the day before saw us and come over to make sure we were being taken care of. The ladies both had the fruit platter with banana nut bread. It would have fed two. Terry and I had somthing that was not as healthy or memorable.
After breakfast we stopped by the cabins for our day bags and headed out to the shuttle stop. The free shuttles are the way to go. There is plenty of room and it just a little bumpy. You can get on and off as much as you like. We got off at about every stop heading up to hermit's rest but two of our favorites were the Powell Memorial stop and The Abyss. WOW is all I can say. You can get refreshments at only Hermit's Rest. If you need a lot of water you had better take a bottle with you.
After going West on the shuttle we caught the return shuttle and headed back down to Bright Angel for lunch. We had decided to try The Arizona Room for lunch and I am glad we did. The food was good but my favorite part was meeting an American/Latino (forgive me if this is not politically correct) who was the hostess. For lunch here they have the menu on the wall and you tell the hostess what you will have. She then seats you and your food is delivered shortly. While she and I were talking I heard a familiar accent (New York) and asked her where she was from. She answered, New York, and I then guessed, Brooklyn? She hit me on the shoulder and said "No honey, I am from Spanish Harlam, From The Hood To Woods." She was a treasure and we chatted a little before we were seated. I don't think I met anyone in Arizona who was from Arizona but everyone we met loved Arizona.
Again the food was good and the service was fast. You can sit here and look out over the canyon too.
After lunch we stopped by the gift shop for the 20th time since we got here. My wife was scared to death they would have somthing new and she would not see it.
After the gift shop it was time to get on the East bound shuttle and see that part of the Canyon. While we were waiting on the shuttle a couple walked by us and started up the steps to the restaurant when a deer jumped up from beside the steps and ran right by us. I believe the lady of the couple may have had to go back to her cabin before continuing her journey that day. That deer was less than 3 feet from her when he passed.
Again we got on and off and enjoyed the afternoon. Along the way I felt someone tap me on the shoulder and he said he noted the name of my hometown on the back of my ballcap. He wanted to know if that was were I was from and I answered yes. He then told me he was from Greenville, just up the road and was a retired school teacher who did sub teaching at our local school. Small world out there. I always carry ballcaps with our town's name on them just for this reason. It also keeps folks from asking if I am from Texas when I speak.
For dinner this night we had reservations at El Tovar. I had made them 3 months in advance because we had read great things about El Tovar. Now, it was good and the service was special but for the money Bright Angel or Arizona Room was just as good. When we came out of the lodge after eating there were 4 deer grazing on the grass out front. They let us make their photos and really tolorated us while they had their dinner.
We took a slow walk along the rim with a full moon lighting our way until we got back to our cabin. Another day well spent.
NOTE to emd. My wife gave me the GPS last year for Christmas and yes, I have used it a good bit. I purchased the road map CD and a car package with bean bag mount and power cable. I then bought an inexpensive camera bag that all of it fits into. I really wish it had more memory but that is the only fault I see with it. The CX version comes with a memory card. We like the fact that you can see your ETA and Speed and altitude as you go along.
More later,
Ruv
Oct 9th, 2006, 02:11 AM
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Hahaha on the part about the wife being afraid to miss something in the gift shop! It sounds like you enjoy meeting people when you travel, so do I.
Your meals and sunrise and moonlight and the deer sound just wonderful. I really do want to go back and spend more time there.
Thank you for the GPS review.
So what's next on Day 5?
Your meals and sunrise and moonlight and the deer sound just wonderful. I really do want to go back and spend more time there.
Thank you for the GPS review.
So what's next on Day 5?
Oct 9th, 2006, 04:00 AM
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Hi ruvidu - since you offered, I'd love to see your pictures, but I don't know how to get your email address. If I click on your name I get your other postings, but not your email. Do you mind put your address in your next post?
Thanks for sharing you trip with us!
Thanks for sharing you trip with us!
Oct 9th, 2006, 04:03 AM
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OK...wait a minute, I get it now. You want my address to send the link to me...right? Duh, sometimes it take me a [email protected]
Thanks!
Thanks!
Oct 22nd, 2006, 03:34 PM
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8 Days Around The Grand Canyon Day-5
First off, let me say I am sorry for leaving you stranded in day 4 if you are following this trip. It has been a busy two weeks but I hope to finish today.
On the morning of the 5th day we again got out of our warm beds around 5:00 AM to view the canyon being lit by the sun. Coffee and Hot Chocolate from Bright Angel bar made the morning even more beautiful. One thing that surprised me were the many languages being spoken around me. I recognized oriental, German, and Enlish and even some South American. It was kind of neat seeing this many people from other countries here to see the Grand Canyon.
After breakfast we took a hike down to Bright Angel Trail to see the mule riders go by. While none of us even had the slightest desire to do this little trip we did want to see them go by. We waited about 1.5 hours before the first group went down. It is amazing to see how little trail is left on either side when a big ole mule is picking his way down. By The Way - They have the right of way.
We then packed up the SUV and headed out of the East gate and over to the North Rim. We made 4 stops along the way, 1. At some very diry Porty Potties at a roadside trading post, 2. Cameroon Trading Post where I traded some money for jewelry for my wife, 3. At The Hoogan, a resturant in Tuba City, The Hoogan, where we had Navajo Tacos and Fry Bread bugers. It was good food and an interesting stop.
After lunch we continued our journey over to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon we had reservations for this night. I am thinking that this part of the trip lasted about 5 hours not counting the stops we made. We stayed in the motel units here and they were sparse. An alarm clock and ceiling fan were the total amenities here. No radio, no TV. I knew this when I made the reservations so it was no surprise. What I did not know was that you could see nothing but pine trees and a parking lot at this location. The parking lot was about 50 yards away and down an incline. To get a drink or any kind of food you have to walk about another 100 yards to the lodge. We looked forward to sitting on the patio before dinner but it was so crowded with very rude people you could not even find a place to stand. We ended up walking up the trail to find a quiet place with a good view. Dinner in the lodge (the only place to eat a real meal) was good but not great. After dinner we hiked back to our rooms for a good night's sleep.
All in all this was my least favorite place we stayed on this trip. I know there will be a bunch to disagree but I would opt for more time at Zion next time.
First off, let me say I am sorry for leaving you stranded in day 4 if you are following this trip. It has been a busy two weeks but I hope to finish today.
On the morning of the 5th day we again got out of our warm beds around 5:00 AM to view the canyon being lit by the sun. Coffee and Hot Chocolate from Bright Angel bar made the morning even more beautiful. One thing that surprised me were the many languages being spoken around me. I recognized oriental, German, and Enlish and even some South American. It was kind of neat seeing this many people from other countries here to see the Grand Canyon.
After breakfast we took a hike down to Bright Angel Trail to see the mule riders go by. While none of us even had the slightest desire to do this little trip we did want to see them go by. We waited about 1.5 hours before the first group went down. It is amazing to see how little trail is left on either side when a big ole mule is picking his way down. By The Way - They have the right of way.
We then packed up the SUV and headed out of the East gate and over to the North Rim. We made 4 stops along the way, 1. At some very diry Porty Potties at a roadside trading post, 2. Cameroon Trading Post where I traded some money for jewelry for my wife, 3. At The Hoogan, a resturant in Tuba City, The Hoogan, where we had Navajo Tacos and Fry Bread bugers. It was good food and an interesting stop.
After lunch we continued our journey over to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon we had reservations for this night. I am thinking that this part of the trip lasted about 5 hours not counting the stops we made. We stayed in the motel units here and they were sparse. An alarm clock and ceiling fan were the total amenities here. No radio, no TV. I knew this when I made the reservations so it was no surprise. What I did not know was that you could see nothing but pine trees and a parking lot at this location. The parking lot was about 50 yards away and down an incline. To get a drink or any kind of food you have to walk about another 100 yards to the lodge. We looked forward to sitting on the patio before dinner but it was so crowded with very rude people you could not even find a place to stand. We ended up walking up the trail to find a quiet place with a good view. Dinner in the lodge (the only place to eat a real meal) was good but not great. After dinner we hiked back to our rooms for a good night's sleep.
All in all this was my least favorite place we stayed on this trip. I know there will be a bunch to disagree but I would opt for more time at Zion next time.
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familythattravels
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Nov 25th, 2016 08:03 AM
