Grand Canyon ! !

Remarkable, is the only word that came to mind as I stood looking out over the vastness before me at the first view point after entering Grand Canyon National Park.  At $30 per vehicle for seven days, I’m glad I had my National Parks Pass.  Arriving at the Desert View Entrance and inquired how far it was to the Village, the Ranger told me it was about 23 or so miles.  Wow… That definitely starts to put into perspective just how enormous this area is.  I stopped at the Desert View/Watch Tower first and got my first view of the Grand Canyon.  Although there were lots and lots of people, I couldn’t help but have a sense of being alone as I looked out over great expanse of the canyon. Although there are a bunch of view points along the way to the village and lodges, I only stopped at a few as I wanted to get to the village and get the lay of the land where I would be staying for the next couple days.  I am glad I decided to make reservations for 2 nights as there was so much to see I knew I couldn’t have seen it all in one day.  I’m not sure if they took a page from the Disneyland/world book or what, but visiting the Grand Canyon reminded me of going to Disney.  There are shuttle buses that stop at numerous designated spots within the South Rim area.  There are different shuttles depending on which area you wanted to visit.  Although they are definitely the best mode of travel from place to place, they are often very crowded and I had to sometimes wait a couple of buses to get a spot.  I finally got my room after a bit of a wait, and did some exploring.  I knew I had to check in for my scheduled mule trip the next morning, so I headed over to the check in area, where they presented me with a bota bag for water during the trip and gave me my trip instructions.  The next morning I headed over to the mule barn and along with the other guests boarded a bus over to where we would meet our mules.  The guys running the operation were pretty cool, and looked just how I imagined they would.  Divided into two groups we were introduced to our mule friends.  My new friend’s name was Marcy, and she was very cool, as mules go.  No matter how much riding experience we did or did not possess, the guides had to do everything, from helping us mount and dismount, to making sure everyone held the reins exactly so.  Being that I was a party of one, I ended up last in line in group one.  Finally, we were all mounted and on our way, with me bringing up the rear.  Our guide made several stops along the way was a wealth of information concerning the history and geological layout of the canyon, as well as the different species of trees, flowers, and bushes along the canyon rim and their uses.  He also took time at the half way point to take individual pictures of us on our trusty steeds, and then it was time to head back.  I can now relate to how cowboys on cattle drives felt as they rode drag all day, breathing the dust and odors of the animals ahead of them.  By the time I arrived back to my room, I was a dirty, dusty mess, but I think it made the experience all the better.  That afternoon, I hopped on the shuttle bus and headed to Hermit’s Rest.  With about 9 or so stops along the way, I took advantage of the beautiful weather, and walked the Rim Trail between some of the stops, instead of riding with the crowd.  Hermits Rest is the western point on the South Rim and very popular for its beautiful sunsets, however, the buses get extremely crowded and I decided to not stick around with the crowds.  Each view point along the rim presents you with a different view of the canyon and just when you think it can’t get any more amazing, the next one takes your breath away.  In 1973 my family stopped at the Grand Canyon on our way to Alaska.  I was 5 years old and only remember, my Dad parking our motorhome in a gravel parking area and walking up to a view point, taking a picture and then leaving.  Now days, families plan an entire vacation around the Grand Canyon, and I can see why.  The National Parks system has made it a destination instead of a stop along the way.  With so much to do, from the mule rides along the rim, to the multi-day trips down to the canyon floor, hiking, biking, and just relaxing enjoying the view.  Next time I visit, I would like to schedule a trip to the canyon floor, definitely by mule though.  It is a very long 6-9 hour hike down to the bottom.  The Grand Canyon, one of the many highlights of my adventure.