Grand Canyon

This week we hosted two visitors, Rolande’s niece, Marie-Josee and a friend, Marie-Claire. As first time visitors to Arizona, they were of course interested in seeing the Grand Canyon. On Tuesday, we traveled north and after stops at Jerome and Sedona we arrived at our destination, Tusayan just outside the park gates.  The next morning, we met our guide, Samantha who led our hike down into the Canyon, along the South Kaibab trail. We descended 2000 ft (628 m) into the canyon, a round trip of 6 miles (9 km). I have photographed the Grand Canyon before, but always from the South Rim, looking down into the chasm. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to see and photograph this amazing natural site from within.

My first photo for today was taken from a point not far below the rim, just after the trailhead where we began our adventure.

Yes, that is snow. At an elevation of 7260 ft (2213 m) it is already winter at the Grand Canyon. We began our hike at a temperature below zero but later enjoyed a daytime high of about 42 deg F (4 deg C). We were prepared, comfortably dressed and found the conditions to be excellent for hiking. By the time we ascended, the temperature had reached its maximum and with the exertion of the climb we needed to shed a layer of clothing.

I have too many good scenes to post and describe them all. I’ve chosen to include them in a slideshow without the benefit of a narrative from me; the scenes speak for themselves. Click on the arrow to start and once begun look for the icons at the bottom of the screen to stop and start and to go to full screen.

Today’s final photo was taken from the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim at sunset.  I took the opportunity to catch a sunset and moonrise occurring at almost the same time. The sun was setting behind me, illuminating the canyon while the moon rose in the opposite direction.

A great day but we were glad to get back to the warmer weather in Scottsdale.