The Grand Canyon – Along the East Rim

Needless to say our first hike at the Grand Canyon was out to our favourite viewpoint, as we walked we met a couple returning who told us we’d have it to ourselves, bliss, absolute bliss!

 

Even though we’ve visited the area lots of times, that first view of the canyon is still breathtaking, it’s so spectacular you feel it just can’t possibly be real, but it is!

 

Sitting close, but not quite (we’re not that brave, or stupid depending on your point of view) on the edge, enjoying unobstructed views across to the North Rim in total silence, simply takes your breath away.

It’s so still that all you can hear is the breeze, and as ravens fly by, the beat of their wings.  

 

As we watched, a mule train slowly made its way around O’Neill Butte on its way back from Phantom Ranch, that’s a trip on our ‘to do’ list, but I think I’d rather hike, I’m not sure I’d feel safe on a mule.

Looking towards O’Neill Butte

Mule train

 

After about an hour we hiked back to the truck, and then drove along the East Rim Drive to Desert View.

 

It was very busy and after the almost total silence we’d just enjoyed, was a bit of a shock to the system, but I have to say the coffee was very welcome! Eventually, we worked our way back along the East Rim driving, stopping at viewpoints and taking photographs along the way.

Over the years we’ve seen some beautiful sights at the Grand Canyon, we’ve watched thunderstorms as they rolled around the canyon; rain showers as they danced from rim to rim, creating beautiful rainbows in their wake; sunshine as it suddenly blazes through a gap in the clouds; misty purple afternoons, clear blue skies, golden sunrises and crimson sunsets; and on what started out as a warm, sunny, spring morning, a snowstorm that created a winter wonderland.

 

So, needless to say, we have hundreds of photographs of the Grand Canyon, but somehow, there’s always room for just a one more.

Have fun, we are!