NPS archives
The view at Toroweap is iconic, something I feel a strong need to see. For months I’ve had the opportunity to borrow a neighbors 4×4 jeep and planned to take it to Toroweap with a co-worker. All I had to do was tell the jeep owner when so I could get the keys. The final plan to go on this adventure would be October 6, 7, & 8, a week before my season ends and a rim to rim hike with a friend. I’d planned to confirm with the jeep owner today but found out last night his season ends the middle of next week and then he’s out of here. I could use the jeep on these current days off, and that would mean I’d have to go alone. Hmmmm. I usually have no problem with solo travel; I do it a lot or wouldn’t get to go. However, Toroweap is at the end of a very rugged, wash board, rutted and rocky 65 miles, plus another 90 paved miles beyond where I live. The last 5 miles are slick rock and flat tires are common. I figure at least a 4-5 hour drive, each way then camp with borrowed gear. Of course no cell service and understandably not heavily traveled. Hmmmm. I fell asleep thinking I should chance it. Heck, you can only be disappointed about things you don’t do, as long as there’s no expectations.
NPS archives
This morning when I got up it felt cold in the house and was 40F outside at 7am. I checked at NOAA for the long range weather report at Toroweap, 40F nights and 80F days. Hmmm. I have chores to do, two weeks’ worth of laundry or no clean uniforms. Get the camper ready for next week’s journey to drop it off in my winter home of Yarnell. Hmmmm.
NPS archives
I’ve had to make a difficult decision and decided to compromise. Toroweap will have to wait. Being it’s been there millions of years already I’m sure that won’t be a problem. I’ll go next year. Instead I’m going to borrow the jeep for a day trip adventure into the Kaibab National Forest. That means I’ll have lots to post when I return from awesome views of Grand Canyon.
The view at Toroweap is iconic, something I feel a strong need to see. For months I’ve had the opportunity to borrow a neighbors 4×4 jeep and planned to take it to Toroweap with a co-worker. All I had to do was tell the jeep owner when so I could get the keys. The final plan to go on this adventure would be October 6, 7, & 8, a week before my season ends and a rim to rim hike with a friend. I’d planned to confirm with the jeep owner today but found out last night his season ends the middle of next week and then he’s out of here. I could use the jeep on these current days off, and that would mean I’d have to go alone. Hmmmm. I usually have no problem with solo travel; I do it a lot or wouldn’t get to go. However, Toroweap is at the end of a very rugged, wash board, rutted and rocky 65 miles, plus another 90 paved miles beyond where I live. The last 5 miles are slick rock and flat tires are common. I figure at least a 4-5 hour drive, each way then camp with borrowed gear. Of course no cell service and understandably not heavily traveled. Hmmmm. I fell asleep thinking I should chance it. Heck, you can only be disappointed about things you don’t do, as long as there’s no expectations.
NPS archives
This morning when I got up it felt cold in the house and was 40F outside at 7am. I checked at NOAA for the long range weather report at Toroweap, 40F nights and 80F days. Hmmm. I have chores to do, two weeks’ worth of laundry or no clean uniforms. Get the camper ready for next week’s journey to drop it off in my winter home of Yarnell. Hmmmm.
NPS archives
I’ve had to make a difficult decision and decided to compromise. Toroweap will have to wait. Being it’s been there millions of years already I’m sure that won’t be a problem. I’ll go next year. Instead I’m going to borrow the jeep for a day trip adventure into the Kaibab National Forest. That means I’ll have lots to post when I return from awesome views of Grand Canyon.
Msybe next year we will have the same days off and we can go together. I want to see that place, too!
Seeing as I started reading you this season, what do you do at the end of the season? Where do you go? Where do you travel? Or do you stay put somewhere? I love your life.
Those photos are awesome, just awesome.
I agree with Jazz. My friends think I am nuts when I tell them I want to buy a camper and just travel, work a little, travel. They do not understand.
Gaelyn: That is a neat sight.
Looking forward to this year's photos, as well as next year's.
I've only been to the GC once, and I can't imagine how wonderful it is to be there for an extended time and really get to know it.
Considering the distance and the rough roads, I think you made a wise decision not to go alone. Hope you have fun in the forest.
Just amazing color and light…You must have been perched on the very edge to get such fabulous shots! So gorgeous…our nat'l. parks are so amazing in this country!
It sounds like an awesome trip but not one to go alone. For sure Toroweap can wait till next year.
But now I need to look Toroweap on a map to see where it is!
These views with the river down so far below are breathtaking!
I think you made the right decision:)
These are gorgeous photos! I've got to ask though just what the vantage point was? It looks like the shots were taken from mid-air.
I am just in awe of the absolutely beautiful canyons you have. Magic hour must be something to see when there in person.
PS. I wish I could come with you.
I think you made a wise decision. That sounds like a harrowing, dangerous drive, not one to do solo! What a gorgeous place….I hope it works out for you next year.
Beautiful shots to be sure!
Say – thanks so much for stopping by my blog.
Glad you liked the Itasca photos. I will say that for the past few years we have been pretty unhampered by the 'skeeters' in the parks of Minnesota. But I most certainly remember not even being able to be outside for more than a few minutes before being chased back into the house as I have problems wearing repellent. It has been so much better the last few years. I only hope it stays that way! Thanks again for your visit.
Looks like an awesome place!
So, I am trying to decide how to split my time (16 days) between Zion/Bryce/North Rim Grand Canyon/Arches/Monument Valley. Any suggestions?
I'm sure you made the right decision – and those photos are spectacular. Definitely worth the wait and really enjoy it when you do go. Lucky you!
Janice.
I can clearly understand why you felt torn about not going. These photos depict a very special place. Still, you probably chose rightly in not wanting to go alone.
these are gorgeous photos. i really like the first one.
Oh..look forward to photos of your trip..where ever you decide to go!
looks like an amazing place to see. Look forward to seeing yr pics when you get there!