North Rim, Grand Canyon

 

We weren’t sure what to expect upon arrival at the North Rim as far as crowds.  If Zion was any indication, it was going to be hectic.  We arrived and checked in without a problem.  Very little traffic from Jacob Lake to the park.  The campground was full but it was Memorial Day weekend, so that was to be expected. Our site for the next few days.

That lighter area behind the trailer is actually Transept Canyon, a beautiful  offshoot the Grand Canyon.

Our first surprise was the next morning.  With Arizona not being on daylight saving time, it starts getting light around 4;30 AM.  By 5:30 AM the campground is abuzz with activity as a majority of the campers are packing up to leave.  it appears most are tent or rental rv campers, and are on a mission.  They arrive between 4 PM and dark, set up their tents or rigs, head out to sight see, and depart the next morning.  Each day by 10 the campground is over half empty.

This is a shot of the Lodge around 11 AM on Sunday morning. Almost looks abandoned.

We wandered around for a few minutes and finally settled into some of the chairs on the patio to enjoy the view.  We kept hearing this squeaking sound but couldn’t locate where it was coming from.  Finally spotted this guy perched on a ledge.  he had quite the view, but wasn’t happy about something.

There were a few people enjoying the sun room of the lodge, and a trio of hikers were giving an impromptu concert.

While passing the Visitor Center, I glanced in and spotted a familiar face.  Gaelyn, or GeoGypsy, was working the desk.  We had met in Quartzite, and she has a great blog.  I stepped inside and got in line.  I watched as she interacted with each person or group as if they were the only ones in the room.  They had her undivided attention for as long as it took to listen to their questions, and then she explained in detail the answers.  It was apparent that she really loves her job, and is excellent at it. 

When it was my turn, I strolled up and seriously asked if she could tell me what time the Condors flew past the lodge each day?  She began to shake her head at such a stupid question, one of many I’m sure she hears each day. Just before she could unload on me, I began to laugh and identified myself.  We had a laugh, along with a quick visit before she got back to business with other visitors.

I took the Transcept Canyon Trail back to the campground.  A nice walk through a forest of Ponderosa Pines with occasional views of the canyon.

I was strollin along with my head in the air, not paying much attention to the trail when I saw this. A log across a ravine with the (a) trail crossing it.

It didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t on the main trail, but it appeared many folks did walk that log as a shortcut. Wasn’t for me as it was about 30 feet off the ground in the middle.

Found this old stump interesting until realizing Alex just had to autograph it.

Arrived safely back to our site under the pines. 

We sat and enjoyed the afternoon, watching all the nights campers arrive….jc