Grand Canyon Expedition Day 6

Grand Canyon National Park  Wednesday, 4 July, 2012

 

Happy Birthday America

 

This morning we went back to the Bright Angel Lodge area to join in a Ranger led hike to learn more about the geological history of the Canyon. The highlight of the hike was a fossil hunt on the rim. The kids were not the only ones to get a kick out finding the fossils in the rocks.

 

Afterwards Paul and Diana headed out to take care of her Dental problems. The rest of us took time out for some ice cream and then a short hike down Bright Angel Trail. Whenever I look across the Canyon and see the trails leading to the river and then to that far away North Rim, that wanderlust spirit in me sings a siren song that I have fight with all my power to resist. One day I will give in. So, I am looking for a Rim to Rim partner. Anybody interested?

 

While we were on the trail two strings of pack mules came by taking supplies into the Canyon. Given the relative narrowness of the trail, I am not sure that I would enjoy riding down into the Canyon. Watching a mule step into the soft dirt at the very edge of the trail and stumble to it's knees convinces me that I will trust my own feet going down the trail.

 

We next went to the Hopi House to check out their wares. On the way the Grand Canyon Train came in so I stopped to take few pictures.

 

After  the Hopi House, we caught the bus back to camp to await news from Paul and Diana.  By the time Paul and Diana got back, Jay was sick. Diana had tooth bondo to help with her tooth pain. We had a group meeting and decide that it would be best if we pulled up stakes tomorrow and head back to Texas. It's a disappointing decision but the needs of the many out weight the needs of the one. Seems like I heard that somewhere before.  We will save the North Rim for another time.

 

We took a ride to a point that Paul and Diana had discovered on their bike ride. The weather was cloudy, windy, and chilly, but the scenery and the company was the best one could hope for.

 

By the time we got back to camp, it was full dark. The sleeping bag felt as heavenly as any warm soft earthly object could be.