Forty years ago we celebrated our first anniversary driving from Lubbock, Texas to the canyon and made the mule trip from Bright Angel Lodge down to the plateau. After we moved to Arizona we started driving to the canyon 2 or 3 times a year. Sometimes we visit the north rim but mostly the south rim is the choice because it is closer.
In 1970 we were the only 2 riding into the canyon that day. Jesse was the guide and there was a camera set up in a house over the start of the path. Our destination was the plateau which gives a look down at the Colorado River. Overnight groups proceed to the river and spend the night at Phantom Ranch. We turned around and went to the top. After riding all day I could not stand up straight that night but it was worth the pain.
Above is a group of mules waiting for their riders last Monday. I especially like their groomed tails! It was to be a 3 hour ride. I'll have to keep eating a lot of salads to ride a mule again!
We typically go for our anniversary and you would think it's boring and repetitious but each trip is different in some small way. Usually in the summer we camp and in the winter stay in a hotel. So, the hotel varies, or a deer runs into the car, or it's snowing and the power is off. Sometimes we eat at different places although there really isn't much choice. There are a lot of view points along the rim and the time of day we photograph the canyon from them changes. We may get up at sunrise or make sure we are taking pictures at sunset. Hiking is sometimes along the rim or on a trail going down. The rangers conduct programs every evening and we'll catch one we haven't heard before.
The one constant has been Larry taking pictures but now so am I. Who would have guessed? Not me. I like the vegetation, animals and birds. This year I captured a photo of a bald eagle (I didn't know it was there though until Larry got excited about it) and a Evening Grosbeak Finch. I missed the blue jay and he was so beautiful. Animals were scarce. The deer appeared before dusk and we did not have the cameras. I can't figure that out!
The bottom line is that once again we had a great experience. The snow flocked trees started miles before Flagstaff but the roads were mostly clear. The rim was misty, snowy, and paths were icy. And...we had the place practically to ourselves. I don't know where the people were. I guess home watching the Super Bowl. We took the scenic road back to Flagstaff and the aspen trees look splendid without their leaves and surrounded with snow.
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