April 15, 2013

Boondocking in Kaibab National Forest

(1/2 mile from entrance to Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance)

We slept great last night.  I had been concerned that we were going to have a restless night because of the high winds but we have a little shelter from the tall pine trees so it wasn’t that bad.  

Before going to sleep we set up a motion detector alarm for the first time.  I hadn’t felt the need for it when we boondocked in Sedona because although we were off a dirt road, it was well traveled.   Our current location is only ½ mile down a dirt road from a main road but it is very secluded. 

Monte didn’t really think it was necessary to set up the alarm but he did it because it made me feel a little more secure.  At first we set the alarm up outside but within a few minutes we heard the shrill alarm as it was set off-probably by the wind.  We moved it inside hoping Anne, our cat, would not set it off in the middle of the night.  We need not have worried about that happening as Anne happily settled in next to Monte on the bed and was in the same position when we woke up in the morning.

We entered Grand Canyon NP at 10:30 using the pre-paid and pass lane. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

A short while later we found an excellent parking place at the Bright Angel Lodge.  (We missed the sign stating that the parking lot was for registered guests only-oops!)

 

 

 

 

We went into the lobby of the lodge,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 the gift shop 

 and the Bright Angel History room. 

 The Bright Angel History Room highlights the legacy of Fred Harvey, who after seeing the miserable conditions, took the opportunity to improve the food and service offered to railway passengers.  He created a legacy in the Southwest that endures today.  He and his company influenced the lives of many working women by hiring thousands of women to work in his restaurants.

The History Room also pays homage to a young female designer, Mary Colter who revolutionized construction in the Southwest. 

 

Across from the Lookout Studio, designed by Mary Colter.

Monte at the Lookout Studio

The path outside the Lookout Studio

Continuing on the trail we came across the red bus line to Hermits’ Rest.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are several stops on the route offering spectacular views of the canyon. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I suggested to Monte that we walk to the first stop, a mere .07 miles away.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was glad that we walked because we go the chance to view the canyon from outlooks we would have missed taking the bus. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

BUT most of the trail was uphill and the altitude was kicking my butt. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we arrived at the Trailview Overlook, I told Monte I wanted to get the next bus because I was having trouble breathing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We didn’t have to wait long because the buses were running 10-15 minutes apart. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

With the exception of the Hopi Point stop where we got off to use the bathroom,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

we stayed on the bus until the end of the route at Hermit’s Rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a snack bar at the Rest, and being quite chilly and windy, I thought it might be nice to have a cup of hot cocoa.  The $4.32 was the only money we ended up spending the entire day. 

 

 

 

 

 We found a nice little spot that was somewhat sheltered from the wind to enjoy our cocoa and eat the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I had packed for our lunch. 

 

We timed our departure just right as a bus arrived just when we wanted to leave.  I was happy it was empty so we had our choice of seats.  As we ventured on the bus got much more crowded as passengers got on at each stop. 

When we got back to where our car was parked we continued on the trail past the Bright Angel Lodge to the Hopi House where we were quite impressed with the amount of Native American pottery, blankets and other works of art on display and for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was feeling a little woozy

 so I told Monte to take his time and I found a bench with a great view.

A short distance away we came upon the Verkamp’s Visitor Center where I was able to stamp my passport.

Dating back to 1905, Verkamp's is one of the oldest buildings at the Grand Canyon.  The shop was owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years.  When the contract came up for renewal, the family chose not to renew. 

 

The National Park Service purchased the building and opened it up as a visitor center and bookstore in 2008.

 

Our timing was great as we came upon a ranger giving an impromptu talk on the California condor.  It was very informative.  Less than 30 years ago it is believed that there were only 22 condors remaining.  In an attempt to save the species, the condors were captured and given a safe habitat in which to multiply.  The birds born in captivity were released, at first in California and then at the Grand Canyon.  Today there are over 80 condors living at the Grand Canyon.  A true success story!

 

After leaving the ranger, we walked the short distance to an accessible ledge where I took some pictures of Monte way too close to the edge for my sense of safety. 

 

 

 

 We were both tired and it was getting extremely windy so we decided to head home. 

It had been a most excellent day!