A few years ago, I began the tradition of spending my birthday at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I've been lucky enough to keep it going, and hope that continues until I have to be wheeled out there on some sort of geezer-mobile. The weather was cause for some concern this time, but the stormy sky only made for dramatic lighting over the Canyon - and it changed every few minutes. Only a few raindrops fell on the South Rim, as the rain moved from south to north and dumped mostly on the North Rim.
Upon arriving at the entrance gate, I purchased a new annual pass. I had to show my driver's license and when the ranger saw the date, she sang "Happy Birthday" to me. A fun way to start the day!
My first stop was Shoshone Point, a place I learned about with the Sierra Club a few years ago. Few people know of it, and many tourists would not make the 1 mile walk to get to it. So it remains quiet and off the "tourist trail" - and I hope it stays that way. Saw only 6 others in the time I was there.
No place I'd rather be!
I took the shuttle down to Hermit's Rest (the road is closed to cars until December). Just as we stopped at one of the lookout points, a Condor did a fly-by! Generally don't see them this time of year, as they've already headed for points south. I waited there for a bit, hoping he'd come back around, but no luck today.
From Hermit's Rest, I did a short hike down The Hermit Trail. Never been on that trail - it is not nearly as well-traveled as Kaibab or Bright Angel and I enjoyed seeing a short section of it. Maybe someday...to the bottom from here? The weather was threatening at this point and I used that as my excuse to go no farther. Every step down is a step back up!
View of the Redwall from Hermit Trail.
Just to the right of the center tree, you can see
a tiny speck of the Colorado River
This guy caused an "Elk jam" along a road - he was yoooge!
These Utah Junipers take on unique,
sculptural shapes along the rim
It was a fabulous day, but I still had the long drive back to Sedona. In good weather/daylight, I enjoy the drive down from Flagstaff's 7000 ft elevation to Sedona's 4000 ft. In the dark and pouring rain? Not so much. The little Z and I white-knuckled it down I-17 and just the signs along the road are near panic-inducing in those conditions: Watch for Rocks! Watch for Elk! Runaway Truck Ramp (eek)! Road Construction! Steep Mountain Grades!
I am always happy to see the Sedona exit - and this time it was a great relief!
Safe and dry at the casita,
and a birthday treat/wish to mark the day.
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