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.