Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Summer Vacation, Part Three
On Wednesday, we woke up ready to head to the Grand Canyon. It took a little over an hour to get there, but it was such a beautiful day that we didn't mind the drive.
We entered the park from the east side, which is less crowded. This entrance is further from the Visitor Center, but it allows the opportunity to make several stops on Desert View Drive before meeting up with all the summer crowds. Our first stop was at the watchtower. The kids were excited to go to the top and get their first views of the canyon. Before we left Tennessee, Emily asked if the hole in the ground was going to be big. Now she could see that yes, it is really big!
Along Desert View Drive, there are several overlooks. We randomly selected one, called Grandview Point. It was a grand view!
After Grandview Point, we headed to the Visitors Center where we parked and rode the shuttle to Canyon Village. Before lunch, we decided to hike a short way down the Bright Angel Trail.
We knew we wanted to do the South Kaibab trail after lunch, so we only hiked down for about 20 minutes. Of course, once you go down, you have to go up! Our plan of action was to walk up for five minutes and rest for two. This worked very well, and the kids were troopers.
I also found a sign in the bathroom. This one didn't seem very necessary. (It says: CAUTION, Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink)
After a light lunch at the Bright Angel Fountain, we boarded another bus for the South Kaibab Trail. Again, going down was smooth sailing.
After hiking down for .9 of a mile, we reached Ooh Aah Point. Breathtaking.
Then, we had to go back up! It was very tiring, but we made it to the top. After this hike, we called it a day and headed back to Flagstaff, worn out but thankful for the chance to enjoy God's beautiful creation!
We entered the park from the east side, which is less crowded. This entrance is further from the Visitor Center, but it allows the opportunity to make several stops on Desert View Drive before meeting up with all the summer crowds. Our first stop was at the watchtower. The kids were excited to go to the top and get their first views of the canyon. Before we left Tennessee, Emily asked if the hole in the ground was going to be big. Now she could see that yes, it is really big!
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| Desert Watchtower |
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| Yes, it is a VERY big hole! |
Along Desert View Drive, there are several overlooks. We randomly selected one, called Grandview Point. It was a grand view!
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| Little Girl, Big World |
After Grandview Point, we headed to the Visitors Center where we parked and rode the shuttle to Canyon Village. Before lunch, we decided to hike a short way down the Bright Angel Trail.
 |
We knew we wanted to do the South Kaibab trail after lunch, so we only hiked down for about 20 minutes. Of course, once you go down, you have to go up! Our plan of action was to walk up for five minutes and rest for two. This worked very well, and the kids were troopers.
Throughout the day, I found several interesting signs. I was surprised to find many Bible verses displayed throughout the parks. Of course, I was thrilled to see them, but surprised that their presence hasn't been attacked by some groups. For me, they just reinforced the thoughts I experienced as I considered God's handiwork!
I also found a sign in the bathroom. This one didn't seem very necessary. (It says: CAUTION, Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink)
After a light lunch at the Bright Angel Fountain, we boarded another bus for the South Kaibab Trail. Again, going down was smooth sailing.
After hiking down for .9 of a mile, we reached Ooh Aah Point. Breathtaking.
Then, we had to go back up! It was very tiring, but we made it to the top. After this hike, we called it a day and headed back to Flagstaff, worn out but thankful for the chance to enjoy God's beautiful creation!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
2 Comments:
I just read through all of your posts. What fantastic memories you are building as a family. Your children just seem like the coolest, neatest, adventures and loving children! I LOVE how you all enjoy one another. It's very encouraging to me to see this - as it is very obvious in your photos.
Glad y'all had so much fun! Thank you for sharing a bit of it with us through the pictures!
Gorgeous pictures! Your kids are real troopers :)
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