Day Thirty, Thursday, May 31, 2007

Grand Canyon National Park

Having enjoyed last night’s sunset so much, I decided to roll out at 4:20 this morning to catch the sunrise.

Being so early, I took the JetBoil and a cup, found a spot away from the jabbering tourists, and sat and watched the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee. It was worth it. I was surprised that so many people were up that early and even more surprised that most left immediately after the sun was over the horizon. In my opinion they missed the best part of the experience — watching the sun slowly “paint” the canyon in colors. It’s a shame this camera can’t capture the real color pallet.

Sunrise at Mather’s Point:

Grand Canyon Sunrise 01

Grand Canyon Sunrise 02

Sunrise at Mather's Point

Mather's Point 01

Mather's Point 02

And I thought I was traveling heavy...

Shots from the Desert View Area:

The Watchtower:

Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower - Inside

Desert View Vista 01

Desert View Vista 02

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I traced my way back west along Desert View Drive…

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and somewhere along the way I stopped to soak in the view and woke up to this:

View from a nap

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Late in the afternoon I took the shuttle service up the Hermits Rest Route. It is the only way up other than hiking since they closed the road to private vehicles. I highly recommend you take this trip near sunset. I stopped at several points along the way, but most of these shots are from Pima Point and to Hermit’s Rest. There was no one else on the trail. When you go, take the rim trail, pause often, soak in the view, smell the pines, listen to the wind, birds, and insects. It will restore your soul.

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The trail...>

Pima Point Near Sunset

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and more “critters”

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On the way back to camp...