Arrived at my summer Grand Canyon home Wednesday afternoon. Returning to an old friend yet always with new eyes. I am so fortunate to live and work here for six months of the year.
The new to me truck pulled the 5th-wheel like a dream. Up over several mountain passes averaged 10-12/mpg. And when not towing 19/mpg. I’m a happy camper. Notice how the color matches RV accents.
Parked, leveled and ready for the summer season. Well, almost ready. Still have to dig out the official Park Ranger uniforms, dust off the iconic “flat top” hat, and spiff up a few programs.
Doesn’t quite feel like summer temperatures at 8200 feet. Yet there is very little snow left. Guess I’ll put away the summer dresses and pull out the sweaters. Snow will most likely fall again. Of course, nothing normal about weather.
I did notice some Mahoney blooming near the rim.
The North Rim doesn’t open to the public until May 15th, 2013. So over the next couple weeks we’ll be preparing for the crowds. It’s sort of like re-opening a small town every spring. Sure hope you’re planning to visit Grand Canyon. Stop by the North Rim visitor center and say hi. Or see you on a trail.
In the mean time, it’s really nice to enjoy the park’s peace and quiet. Life is good at my summer Grand Canyon home.
Welcome home, Gaelyn! I know I always say this, but – What I wouldn’t give to trade lives with you. xox
Thanks Susie. But I’ll stay here at the canyon thank you and share photos. You do the same. Will you be in the States this summer?
I am happy to be back at the canyon with you as I feel I know the place almost as well as you do thanks to your amazing photos. In between I will enjoy the South African pics. Have a great weekend. Diane
It’s good to be back and I will post both.
Looks heavenly! I would like to get up there again. It’s been too long.
So when are you coming up?
Welcome back to your beautiful summer home! We certainly enjoyed our visit with you at The North Rim last year and we really enjoyed your blogs of Africa! Hope your summer is full of fun and more adventure! Geri and Chuck
It’s nice to be back. So glad you got to visit before heading east. I’ll be very busy posting about both South Africa and the canyon now.
I loved reading the title….my summer Grand Canyon home. Really fine!! The North Rim is my favorite. Somehow I missed the new to you truck. Or is my memory worse than I thought. Looks good. I’m ready for the canyon posts to begin! Fun coming up big time!
The North Rim is Best. Don’t think I posted on this blog about the new truck, so it’s not you. Post for both South Africa and canyon will be coming.
There’s no place like home…truly! And such beautiful property you have. Hope to see you there!
Doesn’t get too much better than this. I too hope you make it for a visit.
Hi Gaelyn,
Thanks for the preview of our summer home. Looking forward to joining you in a little over a month.
In case you have not heard, Reba is now in dog heaven with all her buddies. We will miss her,
but the golden mantled squirrels and kaibab squirrels will enjoy the added freedome.
See you soon.
I received George’s note about Reba. I’m so sorry. She will be missed by many even if not the squirrels. See you in June.
Beautiful truck, Gaelyn! Glad you made it to your summer home safely. Enjoyed the photos, as always. Sue
I’m liking this truck so much better than the Lemon. Enjoy the pines.
That is more than amazing gas mileage!
I was more than impressed. 2006 Dodge 2500 with the 5.9L diesel.
I’d love to visit the Grand Canyon. Reading this post and seeing the great views have made me dream even more.. Maybe I will get to visit next year. 🙂
Everyone should see Grand Canyon. Hope you get the chance.
I am the only person who is sad you are back at the Canyon – – Oh well, I get you again when your 6 month stint is over. I’ll just have to plan a trip up again this year – – love you –
me
I miss you too. And I think a trip up is certainly in order. How does Sarah travel? Hugs!
The North Rim remains my fav part of the Grand Canyon. Still have fond memories of visiting many years ago. Hope one day to get “the beast” out there and will definitely look you up when we do.
Nina
Sure hope you can visit. Let me know as I may be able to find a place for “the beast” to park.
Looks like you’re ready for duty. What a great place to live and work. We used to visit the north rim most years in early May, and we had snow fall on our camp more than once.
I’ve seen snow fall here in June. We could use more moisture.
How nice to have some quiet time in your beautiful “backyard” before the lucky travelers get there. So beautiful.
Glad you’re happy with the truck!!!
Although I love the visitors I also appreciate the quiet before we’re open.
I bet its good to be “home”. And such a beautiful place to call home.
It is nice to be here but I miss SA.
Oh man….I would love to be up there. I am really seriously considering bringing my pop up tent with Micheal. It would be so much fun to see you again.
Remember last year and all the issues with the vehicle as you were moving back to the North Rim??? Hopefully you’ll be able to relax and enjoy things a tad more. She’s a beauty!
I do hope you’ll make it up sometime this summer.
So glad this truck is running well.
Gaelyn, Is it old there today? We’re at Bryce, and it’s so blustery and cold. It was 19 this AM (don’t know what the windchill was). We hiked down into the canyon at dawn – spectacular. I’m sure you’re enjoying your views at the rim. Spotty internet here – even in lobby of lodge.
Yes it’s cold. My water hose was almost frozen solid this morning. Love hiking down into Bryce.
I enjoy your posts about the North Rim. We’re planning a backpack on the North Kaibab beginning mid-September. Will you still be there? We might look you up! I’ll keep watching for your posts. Thanks for doing this!
You’ll love the North Rim and September is a nice time to hike the North Kaibab. I will still be around. You can ask for me at the Visitor Center or drop an email when it gets closer. Thanks for stopping by.