“Your mission which you should accept because you don’t have a choice is to become familiar with the sights and sounds of the South Rim.”
Cloud shadows over the North Rim
This was our first day of Grand Canyon training challenge in May on the South Rim: (Click here for the drive there.)
1. Collect cancellation stamps from the following places: Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Verkamps, Kolb Studio, Yavapai Observation Station, Books-n-more.
2. Take a photo of your team at the following places: Mather Point, Backcountry Office, √El Tovar, √South Kaibab Trailhead, √Yaki Point, √Bright Angel Trailhead, Hopi House, Lookout Studio, Train Depot with visitors getting off or on the train [those with √ shown, we made it to the others also but forgot to get a photo].
3. Take a photo of three different bus drivers.
Kids play about not feeding wildlife
4. Attend one Shrine of the Ages Wildlife Day program.
Turkey Vulture, Big-eared Bat, Harris’ Hawk, Great Horned Owl
5.Take a photo of two different animals including the animal handler.
I was paired with Secret Agent Ranger Jessica who is new to our team this season. However, she is not new to the canyon as she’s been a river runner on the Colorado River. She’s a great gal and we’ve hit it off famously.
Secret Agent Mike was visiting for the weekend so he joined our team and documented some of our covert mission.
South Kaibab trail and black bridge across Colorado River
We hopped aboard the blue shuttle at Maswik Lodge then transferred to the green shuttle near Mather Point headed for the South Kaibab Trailhead.
Plywood dory introduced by Norman Nevills in 1938
Next stop was Yaki Point, then back on the green shuttle to the visitor center and book store for cancellation stamps.
Then we walked to Mather Point and continued on the .7 mile (1.1 km) to Yavapai Observation Station for photos which are on Jessica’s spy camera along with several others.
By now we were getting hungry and thirsty. Plus wanted to watch the Native dancers…
…at Hopi House.
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“As always, should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck.”
Mountain Chickadee
Mission accomplished.
