Finally, we got to see the Grand Canyon; neither Alfredo or I had been there before, so it was a real treat for all of us to be able to see this amazing natural wonder. Having lived in Utah for nearly 5 years, I'm kinda mad at myself for not having made the effort to have gone there sooner! We had a super time.
We stayed the night in the North Rim, the only campground in the actual National Park on the North side (the quieter, less touristy side of the
Canyon). We arrived at the park at about 1pm on Sunday, set up the tent and headed off on the first of 4 hikes that we were able to fit in during our time in the Canyon. The Transcept Trail is a really beautiful trail that follows the rim of the canyon from the campground to the Lodge - the views are amazing! We took a short break at the Lodge where Owen was most intrigued with the bronze statue of Brighty, a donkey who lived and worked with a family in the canyon many years ago - it's said to be good luck if you rub Brighty's nose (we all had a good rub!). After a short break and a few more 'wows' for the views from the gorgeous sun-terrace at the Lodge, we hiked the short Bright Angel's Point trail. Owen fell asleep on the way back from this trail so Alfredo and I took the opportunity to enjoy the quiet time and people watch from the shaded seating area back at the Lodge, and to browse the gift shop. After hiking back to the campground we started to prepare the camp fire for dinner.... one huge crack of thunder and lightening later, we made a hasty retreat to the car to avoid the most insane hail-storm - it was crazy - late August and we were freezing cold, looking out the car windows as everything got hammered with hail. Fortunately the storm didn't last long and we were able to sleep the rest of the night in the tent without getting wet. We woke to clear beautifully sunny skies and enjoyed an early morning camp fire before tackling the first 1.5 miles of the Kaibab Trail to the Coconino Overlook. Wow wow Wow wow Wow wow!!!!!! Get my point?? lol, the steep hike down there was well worth the views.... carrying Owen the steep hike back to the parking lot..... hmmmm, let's say we won't be attempting to go further on this hike until he is able to walk himself in and out! The hike actually continues down to the canyon floor and up the South Rim to the other side.... not for the faint-hearted, but I sure would love to give it a try!! Unfortunately we had to leave Monday for me to get back to work and Owen for school but we made the most of the journey home and stopped in Zion National Park for a picnic.. the perfect end to a short break.
We stayed the night in the North Rim, the only campground in the actual National Park on the North side (the quieter, less touristy side of the 
Canyon). We arrived at the park at about 1pm on Sunday, set up the tent and headed off on the first of 4 hikes that we were able to fit in during our time in the Canyon. The Transcept Trail is a really beautiful trail that follows the rim of the canyon from the campground to the Lodge - the views are amazing! We took a short break at the Lodge where Owen was most intrigued with the bronze statue of Brighty, a donkey who lived and worked with a family in the canyon many years ago - it's said to be good luck if you rub Brighty's nose (we all had a good rub!). After a short break and a few more 'wows' for the views from the gorgeous sun-terrace at the Lodge, we hiked the short Bright Angel's Point trail. Owen fell asleep on the way back from this trail so Alfredo and I took the opportunity to enjoy the quiet time and people watch from the shaded seating area back at the Lodge, and to browse the gift shop. After hiking back to the campground we started to prepare the camp fire for dinner.... one huge crack of thunder and lightening later, we made a hasty retreat to the car to avoid the most insane hail-storm - it was crazy - late August and we were freezing cold, looking out the car windows as everything got hammered with hail. Fortunately the storm didn't last long and we were able to sleep the rest of the night in the tent without getting wet. We woke to clear beautifully sunny skies and enjoyed an early morning camp fire before tackling the first 1.5 miles of the Kaibab Trail to the Coconino Overlook. Wow wow Wow wow Wow wow!!!!!! Get my point?? lol, the steep hike down there was well worth the views.... carrying Owen the steep hike back to the parking lot..... hmmmm, let's say we won't be attempting to go further on this hike until he is able to walk himself in and out! The hike actually continues down to the canyon floor and up the South Rim to the other side.... not for the faint-hearted, but I sure would love to give it a try!! Unfortunately we had to leave Monday for me to get back to work and Owen for school but we made the most of the journey home and stopped in Zion National Park for a picnic.. the perfect end to a short break.
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