Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Grand, Grand Canyon.

Well - we did it. And unfortunately, we only spent one day cruising around the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After no less than five minutes, Nathaniel and I were already planning our hiking/rafting/camping/future-adventures at this magical place.

Words don't do this place justice - and neither (I'm afraid) - do photographs. Its pretty amazing to think of the powers that formed this canyon. One determined river and oodles of time. It makes you realize that there are so many other things at work, in progress, and it makes our own existence seem small by comparison.

Tomorrow we're heading to Sedona - vortex sights and all. But for now, here are a few shots of the day. Some are the "typical" Grand Canyon money-makers. Others are a little off the beaten path. Enjoy!

It seemed almost unbelievable - that the Grand Canyon was a mere 10 miles away...
Getting closer....The Little Colorado River.
We made it! We took the little-used Eastern Park entrance, near Desert View. The drive was easy, the crowds non-existent (compared to the masses of people at the South Rim Visitor's Center), and view was spectacular. In the future, we'd like to time it right and see the setting sun...but that's for another trip.
We are here! With the canyon!!
First point at Desert View and...Hey! There's snow! And...it's....cold! Officially 27 degrees this morning.
Butte, looking towards the Little Colorado River - Desert View.
He assured me that he wouldn't jump. But that this was almost like a helicopter view.
The colors were incredible - in spite of the slight haze. Somewhere along the South Rim Drive. This photo is unfiltered, while the picture at the top of the page is.
On the ledge.
Wildlife was everywhere!
Here too....
All around!
All enjoying the view...
On a (sort-of) different note...they are everywhere.
Seriously.
Close-up.
Far away.
No backing up for me...
At Yavapi Point, there was a great device one could angle to view named peaks (or buttes!) in the distance.
The sheer ledges were incredible. The North Rim is technically higher in elevation at 8,000+ feet - but the sheer face of the South Rim is much steeper than its northern counterpart.
Unfiltered...
Filtered...
Twisted and weathered wood - exposed at 7,000+ feet.
Outside....
Inside...
Playing around with the camera (not too near the edge) and finding inspiration.
At the Visitor's Center as well!
Desert View, 7438 feet above sea level.

21 comments:

Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete said...

Like I said on the last post, I LOVE the Grand Canyon! Actually, I love AZ. ;) Sedona is so beautiful. It is total artsy fartsy mixed with hippie. Make sure you guys go on a pink jeep tour! We loved seeing the Native American artifacts on our tour. We stayed in a little bed and breakfast, and it was awesome. Have fun!!

ADC said...

Beautiful photos.

San said...

Wonderful post and even more wonderful pictures. Thank you for taking us with you. Have a great weekend.
Cheers, San

Beth said...

So, so beautiful! I remember feeling the same thing when Oscar and I visited the grand canyon about 5 or 6 years ago - our existences seemed very, very small in comparison! It really is GRAND no?? :)

Damie said...

now that is really cool.

cherelli said...

Wow Marit, neat pictures, you're on an awesome road trip! Enjoy Sedona :)

Bob Mitera said...

Great shots Mav. You should be a photographer. - sort of Top Gun

Molly said...

Great pictures! I'm so glad you're enjoying your adventure :)

Kim said...

Thats so fun! And look! nothing to do with training or triathlon! See.. we CAN have a life! Hope you are feeling so great and your little nose is healing perfectly. talk soon!

m said...

The grand canyon is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing and bringing a piece of the west into my east coast morning. Enjoy your trip!

TriGirl Kate O said...

Love the pics! Glad you are getting some 1 on 1 time w/ Nathaniel. xo

GoBigGreen said...

Lovely Marit. Keep enjoying yourselves.

Rita in Toronto said...

I have hiked rim to rim twice and it is such a great experience. Seeing the landscape change as you move from the south rim to the north is absolutely breathtaking! I would highly recommend the hike. We stayed mostly on the Bright Angel Trail...and at a fast pace we crosssed in about 10 hours.

You should also try to see the painted desert and the petrified forest while you're in that area :-)

Aimee said...

Awesome pictures! I love the Grand Canyon. My husband and I did a backpacking trip down to Havasupai when we were in college...it was amazing!
Enjoy Sedona...it's beautiful too!

Angi Axmann said...

YOU ARE GOING THROUGH FLAGSTAFF THEN!!!! WHOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

jennabul said...

These are beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing them. What a great trip for you guys. This is such a great time to visit Arizona, one of my favorite times in that state. Would you believe I lived there 7 years and never actually went to visit the Grand Canyon? I know, bad. I hope you're feeling better and almost done with your antibiotics!

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD said...

We want to go SO bad!! I LOVE the pics..makes me feel like I am there. Hopefully soon Karel and I will get out there. Thanks for sharing, hope you enjoyed your road trip w/ the hubby!
-marn

Angela and David said...

Amazing photos and it looks like you guys had an amazing time. Probably a good thing you aren't training right now otherwise you'd have certainly gone on a few runs where you'd have been convinced every squirrel you heard was a mountain lion on the prowl.

Herrad said...

Hello,

Please could you go and visit The Wheel of Fortuna and leave a supportive message for Steve.

His partner BobRobert is in the local hospice and is not expected to live much longer.

It is not so long since his diagnosis which makes it all even more sad.

Thanks for your support.

Love,
Herrad

Charisa said...

Beautiful!!

Lisa Eirene said...

Fantastic pictures! I would love to go to the Grand Canyon some day!