Trip out West - The Grand Canyon

Day 8; Friday, July 6th
The Grand Canyon and
Historic Route 66

We were able to make an early start and made our way to the Grand Canyon.  We weren’t sure at the time if we’d be staying the night or what level of hiking we’d do – but we kept an open mind and took things as they came.

Our first stop was an area called Desert View Overlook with a really neat, round watch tower that – well – overlooked the canyon.  Our first views were stunning.  I was also amazed at the linguistical diversity of our fellow tourists!  Just about every language imaginable was being spoken within earshot; it was as breathtaking as the views!

We continued on towards the Grand Canyon Village, stopping at various overlooks as we went.  We also stopped for lunch along the way – fending off brazen ravens as we ate :)

It was late in the afternoon and rather hot by the time we got to the Village.  I don’t think I was adjusting well to the high elevations and the heat was getting to me; added with general fatigue and being overwhelmed with so many people meant that I was not in the mood to hike down into the canyon (6 miles round trip).  I wasn’t really interested in staying the night either.  I just wanted to leave.

At the time and looking back, I found my reaction rather odd, but I just didn’t want to be there.  Was it beautiful?  Yes.  Was it a great opportunity to hike in the desert surrounded by some of the most spectacular views in this great nation?  You betcha.  Yet I wanted like nothing else to get out of there – so we did.

I am putting the promise in writing though, that I WILL be back!  Hopefully under more open and cheerful circumstances.

So back in the car we went, making our way west towards California.  Since we knew now we weren’t hanging in the Canyon overnight, we really wanted to finish the day in California so we’d be in our final time zone (it’s the little things in life!)

We stopped off at a small town for dinner and saw signs for a Rt. 66 loop through town.  As we couldn’t pass that up, we drove through the gentle rain that had settled in and snapped some shots of small town pride and nostalgia for other times.

We crossed the boarder into California and stopped at the town of Needles just as the sun was setting.  It was a shock when we opened the car doors – it was like stepping into a furnace, and this was pushing 9:00 in the evening!  In fact, later that night (around, 10:30 or 11:00), I went out to the car to get something.  I didn’t want to bother putting shoes on as it was all paved.  One: it was still like a furnace outside and two: I nearly burned my feet on the walkway (which is shading with an awning I might add)!!!!