And Then the Snow Came

After getting Tim and Kathryn to the airport on Sunday, I felt deeply dissappointed that their visit had come to an end in seemingly such a short time -- and shortened more by the horrific episode with Tiger going berserk.  As I raced back up the interstate my heart was saddened by both the thoughts of them leaving and the uncertainty of Tiger's whereabouts -- thinking too I might have to be ready to stay longer in Flagstaff to insure the return of my little companion.

You can't imagine how deeply relieved I was when I had Tiger back in my arms.  Perhaps those walks around the sight might have given him enough knowledge of the dangers nearby (lots of dogs and the interstate not far off) so, he found some comfort and a good hiding spot somewhere under or up in the RV -- thank goodness he had the smarts to stay close.

The next day (Monday) brought some changing weather and although I had hoped to head back to the Canyon with my camera that day, I decided in the morning to pack up all the outdoor carpet, chairs, ladder and such into the Jeep and under the RV -- just before the winds and rains hit the campground (followed by snow later in the afternoon around 2:00 or 2:30).  No trip to the Canyon that day.

The snow continued into the night and the next morning there was about an inch of it covering the Jeep and the ground around the campground.  With the incoming snow and dropping temps at least the restaurant had a nice fire going on Monday evening and I enjoyed half of my second draft in front of it before heading back to the RV.  Tiger had spent the whole day just recouping and I didn't hear one little meow from him to go out -- instead he just wanted to play around inside (which I was happy to do so too and worth a good laugh).

After brushing off the snow with my big broom, I headed over to the Starbucks on the way to the Canyon and picked up a white chocolate mocha and a breakfast sandwich to enjoy on the road.  The nearby Humphries Peak was half covered with the low hanging clouds and some snow flurries continued as I headed past the peak and out into the high desert country -- but there were some small patches and streaks of azure blue as I left the Flagstaff area.



Humphries Peak without clouds

After getting onto route 64 north, the skies were almost totally clear except for some whispy clouds streaking overhead (Humphries Peak behind me still had most of the cloud cover hanging on it).

When I arrived at the Visitor Center in the park, I decided to check out the Visitor Center first instead of heading right to the rim of the canyon with my camera in hand.  Glad I did as I found a wonderful display which occupied a large wall with a topographic map of the canyon and three monitors showing video of a group of people rafting down the river and some nicely synchronized LEDs lighting up on the map as the video footage continued to show the trip down the river and rapids.  A totally different perspective of viewing the Grand Canyon and worth the short stop to see (maybe something you would want to see too if you are planning to take that rafting trip).

Bright Angel Lodge

Then, I headed to Mather Point and other spots on the rim to take some pics and jumped back in the Jeep to head for Bright Angel Lodge for more pics of an area Tim, Kathryn and I had not reached.  Train station was just across the street and after getting lots more pics at the rim I jumped back in the Jeep and headed again for the drive east on Desert View Drive.  As I made my way around the train station and passed the corral with a number of saddled mules, I saw the only Elk I had seen the entire time while in Flagstaff or the Canyon -- of course, I had put my camera away with my fleece and didn't get the picture.  Who could have figured it would be in one of the busiest spots and a train was still sitting at the station too?  Ohwhell!


Grandview Point

On the road toward the east entrance (Desert View Drive), I pulled into a road to Grandview Point and made a wonderful discovery there.  A terrific view and a trail that goes all the way down the rim to the mining mesa below (some 3000 feet below).  I hiked down maybe 600 or 700 feet and then turned back when the winds started to kick up and I could see clouds dropping down over the north rim into the Canyon.  I had to stop two or three times on my way back up to catch my breath.

This spot apparently was the most popular stop during the first ten years when the park first opened.  Miners had made the trail to get down to their copper mines and then they deserted them when copper prices dropped.

One thing about coming in from the north and into the park from the east entrance on route 64, you will find numerous pullouts and first glimpses of the canyon that you don't see at all when coming from the south.  Even along 89A as you drive south to catch route 64, you will see glimpses of the Little Colorado canyon and numerous Indian arts and crafts stands by the road.  Previews of what you will see on a greater scale when you get into the park.

I took nearly 90 pictures on my second trip to the Canyon and would love to show them all.