I’ve been posting so much about my adventures off the North Rim I figured I should share some recent Grand Canyon views. So let Raven share the story of the Unkar Delta in the bend of the Colorado River. The ancestral Puebloans once lived there, farming, hunting and gathering with their families in a river side community.
The next story could have easily turned into tragedy. These two young people put on quite a show for anxious visitors trying to enjoy canyon views from the Grand Lodge veranda. She took photos while he performed headstands on a tiny unprotected ledge. The drop is probably about 4,000 feet (1200 m) into Transept Canyon. With the “your park and your responsibility” policy I could do nothing unless one of them fell off when I would call EMTs on my radio. So I took photos which will be included in a fellow Ranger’s evening program about death at the Grand Canyon.
Fortunately they lived to see the sunset and won’t join in those fatal statistics.
A weather story of inversion as the sun rose on a beautiful day. Fog rolled up from Transept Canyon as I readied myself for work. Monsoon often causes fog yet July has brought very little rain.
The morning’s pea soup view cleared later and made many visitors happy. And yes, that’s the same rock from the previous idiot.
Artists have told stories of Grand Canyon for over 1000 years: indigenous people, explorers and painters. Current Artist in Residence John Cogan set up his easel at the Grand Lodge to share his techniques with visitors.
Once again the last light illuminates temples and buttes casting shapely shadows on the far canyon walls.
Followed by morning light to greet another day at Grand Canyon with more stories to share in the future.
Even in our short few hours at the South Rim a few months ago we saw the usual antics of young male immaturity at work.
There is definitely no shortage of idiots out there! It was nice to see some canyon photos again. We are so glad we finally got to the North Rim.
Glad you made it too. Yet looks like you’ve been getting in some really good hiking in CO.
Beautiful pictures. I really enjoy following along on your adventures.
Thanks. Glad to have you along.
Gorgeous views! Very exciting to find the people doing headstands. Imagine the pics of them falling. Darwin’s Theory in progress. Every year there seems to be a few of them:)
I was ready, along with others, to take those “last” photos.
Loved everything but the two idiots. At least you’d have had a last picture to send to their loved ones.
Idiots they are and will live on to be.
I am appalled at how stupid those antics were. Simply amazing. But not in the good way your pictures of the canyon are. I just love all its moods and colors. Very nice “character” shot of the raven as well. Speaks volumes about him.
Stupid is. Glad most visitors aren’t like that. The Ravens are very conversational.
I never get tired of your pics of the canyon. Hopefully the cliff partiers will grow up before they die of something or cause somebody else to get hurt.
Me too Yogi. These kinds of idiots make onlookers very nervous.
Life and work has come in the way of reading blogs lately. I have been keeping an eye on FB though. You should really sell big prints of your Grand Canyon photos because they are stunning. Perhaps an online shop of sorts and get somebody to print and ship them for you.
I understand how life gets in the way of reading blogs lately. I have a link for ordering photos on the website but have never made a printed sale. Thanks for your vote of confidence.
You and Raven tell a lovely story. I would have had to turn away and look at something else while the clown tempted the gods……
If not too late, I’d like 1210 for Tessa’s birthday for tomorrow’s photo 🙂
Thank you Jodee. I know you don’t like dropoffs and although they’re OK with me, I refrain from tempting fate like these idiots.
Have you down for #1210.
It must be SO frustrating to have to bite your tongue when you see such stupidity – and then who has to pay for the EMT services?! I will never understand the mind set of those who feel it’s okay to push the boundaries to the point of absurdity.
Young and stupid, looking for attention. We tax payers would pay.
I figured you for a pareidolia.
I’m way behind with my blog reading and writing due to my recent trip to Canada but I have to agree with Patti……..any policy that says a ranger can’t do anything about such stupid antics is as stupid as the antics themselves. Rescue or remains retrieval would come out of the budget for the park which is a loss for all of us. We used to have a lot of rescues required when idiots would ignore the barriers or notices not to cross at low water crossings after heavy rains. Those rescues unnecessarily endangered our police and firefighters lives as well as costing a ton of money. Once a law was passed that people ignoring water warnings would be rescued but charged for the rescue costs, the rate of idiots having to be rescued dropped significantly.
I believe that’s why AZ has a stupid driver’s law, charging for rescue. I don’t like the idea of putting any staff in danger to deal with idiots like this. The park policy is basically, “it’s your park and you’re responsible for yourself.” However, I could make a call on safety. Unfortunately, by the time I walked to them they would have been done and I’d just have to lecture them. Hope I don’t sound too callous.