Wandering Retirees

Grand Canyon National Park and Kanab, UT

Sadly, we left the Grand Canyon this morning but not without seeing another sunrise, this time from the rim at Mather’s Point. We were up at 4:00 to catch a shuttle to see the sun come up just before 5:30. It was very cold, but just as beautiful as yesterday’s sun up. And a lot less work. 😉 

 When we arrived at the Park on Friday, we were lucky to meet two men, Cole and Chris, who know the Park intimately. Chris is a guide for hiking and river tours. Yesterday, he hiked a group down 9 miles and then another up the same way.  We can’t even imagine the endurance that requires. They both shared some good suggestions with us.  Coupled with Ranger Rick’s ideas, we felt we got a lot out of our two day stay at the Grand Canyon.

Before the Grand Canyon was declared a National Park, it was governed by the Park Service which had close ties to a number of industries, including mining and tourism. For example, the Santa Fe Railroad ran a line into Grand Canyon Village and established hotels as a money making enterprise. The rail line still exists and has daily runs. We found it interesting, and think Bill Hadley might find it so, too. West of the village, approaching Hopi Point, there are remains of a copper mine started around the turn of the last century, and of a uranium mine that operated from the late ‘40s to the late ‘60s. Unfortunately, that area remains contaminated with high levels of chemical and radioactive residues. It is fenced off until money can be made available. Frankly, we find the sight and pollution a scar that should not be. Clean up will depend on the coming federal budget years (Interior; National Park Service) since the owners cannot be made to pay. Something wrong there. But I digress. 

We had such a wonderful time over all. It is just impossible to get your mind around such a magnificent place. We are tired, but so happy to have come. We are also determined to return and do some hiking down into the Canyon. We totally get the joy and wonder of those who have done so. (Thinking of Tim.)

We left the Park by the East Gate and headed north on US 89 through Page, AZ to Kanab, UT where we will stay for the next two weeks. We rode about 215 miles with sunshine but strong, gusty winds. Nothing dangerous, but tiring. Glad to be here with our feet up. We’ve covered almost 3,200 miles overall. Day excursions coming up.

The terrain we saw was fascinating and beautiful, though sometimes in a rather stark way. There is not a lot of water to be seen so agriculture is somewhat limited. But the geology is stunning. A lot of red rock in myriad forms. Amazingly, we are not yet tired of red rock.

Thank you so much for your interest and kind comments and support. You make our trip even more fun. Best to all.

Sunrise from Mather Point

Our route to Kanab, UT, where we are staying for two weeks.