San Francisco Peaks
All it took was a phone call for a winter visit to the South Rim Grand Canyon.
Amanda, a special friend and fellow Park Ranger from Oregon Caves days has made her way up the NPS ladder and works at Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in Alaska. She was in training at the Albright Training Center located within GRCA NP. Wow, only a four hour drive away.
I took a short walk along the rim then met up with Amanda for dinner and made a plan for Saturday.
We walked about 4 miles (6.4 k) along the rim trail stopping to gaze at the canyon and chatting away as if it hadn’t been three years since we’d seen each other.
The sky was clear so we didn’t expect a very colorful sunset but the light and shadow show never disappoints.
We ended up across from Hopi House (above) at El Tovar (below) for drinks and appetizers.
Then back to El Tovar for breakfast along with another friend who works on the South Rim.
Windy and too cold for me so went back to camp while Amanda walked the rim trail from Hermits Rest back to The Village.
Later in the afternoon we all reconnected and thanks to our friend loaning us her car we drove out to the Desert Watch Tower without having to move the truck/camper.
This far eastern view from the tower shows Cedar Mountain and across Navajo land to the shadowed Echo Cliffs.
We drove back towards The Village stopping at Lippan Point which juts out far enough to offer an almost 180 degree view.
Amazing views of the Colorado River up and down stream as the last light slipped under the low building storm clouds…
…turning the canyon walls to gold.
Cold wind increased as the last light faded. Time to head back to camp and say our goodbyes. In the morning we left the canyon under cloudy skies and a light bit of snow.
beautiful. I am ready to go back.
Winter light hightens the magic of the desert. Beautiful images, Gaelyn.
Very nice pictures. The GC is a magical place. In May 2009, I spent 2 nights on the North Rim staying in one of the small cabins. I hope to get a workampingjob at the canyon in 2012 or 2013.
Every time I see pictures like these I just realise again why the canyon is in your blood. So much beauty.
I saw on the news about the storms in the US. Over here we have had a cool summer so far, but since a couple of days ago it feels like true summer.
BEAUTIFUL! I will, will come your way one day…and we will eat a piece of cake! (Thanks for wishes on my blog today.)
Ohhh…the Vermillion Cliffs. I could spend days there just reveling in the peace. I always go that way when I go up to Idaho just because of them. You know that little house along that highway that's a cafe and a service station and..motel?… I want to live there.
Its great to meet up with old friends and reconnect. Amazing photos of the canyon and buildings.
Wow you live in the most awesome place. Loved ALL the pics but especially the last two. Good on meeting up with an old friend. We women can take up where we left off even if it's thirty years ago! Have a great evening. (((Hugs))) Jo
Great meeting up with friends, but with scenery like this around you just cannot go wrong. Stunning photos. DFiane
Beautiful images, Gaelyn. What fun to meet up with a long ago friend and pick up the conversation as if you had just seen her yesterday.
Excellent post. MB
Beautiful photos..I love the golden glow on the mountains!
Nice to meet up with your friends at such a lovely place.
Kinda nice to get a GRCA fix in during the middle of winter. Before you know it, you'll be back on the NR.
What a beautiful winter visit! As always you captured the beauty of the area with your photos! I love that you are getting to experience the Canyon in the off season, something that not many people do!
Beautiful series of photos, especially the last two with the sun highlights. Great that you got to meet up with an old friend.
Great photos Gaelyn, you're making me homesick 😉
I am sure the wind was cold at that altitude, but the photos are beautiful.