Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

We visited the Grand Canyon on two hazy days in July. The haze was coming from forest fires on the south rim. The first day was very disappointing; we could barely see across the canyon at all. The second day was clear in the canyon, but the sky was still not very blue.

Since we were coming from Utah, we only visited the North Rim of the canyon.

On our second day there, July 5, the Elenbaases headed back north pretty early. Too bad, because that day the sky was relatively clear, and the canyon was spectacular. Here are some pictures from one of the lookouts on the North Rim road.
This is from a different lookout. We could see the Colorado River from here. As much as we were awed by the Canyon, I think we probably didn't get half the experience, because we never ventured below the rim. The next time we visit the Grand Canyon, we'll take more time than two afternoons.
We had dinner at the Grand Canyon Lodge that night, and watched the sunset from Angel Point. This is a pinnacle that you reach by following a narrow path out over the canyon. There were a lot of people watching the sunset with us, and it was pretty crowded.
As soon as the sun set, though, most of the people left. It was almost a stampede back up the trail. I thought that was funny, as the scene was getting more beautiful as the sky turned to purple. I think they sure missed a good view by being in such a hurry to leave.