Spring Break Trip - Day 5

Today was the big day (not just Saint Patrick's Day!): Grand Canyon! Everyone was up early again and - even with breakfast - we made it out on the road by 0830. Brenna navigated us onto US-180 (we've seen that one a bunch!) and we got a really scenic trip through the San Francisco Mountains up to AZ-64. Saw LOTs of snow (piled above car level in some places) and found out about the area's skiing/snow-shoeing. Not too many people moving about by the time we arrived at the Main gate for the National Park. Went to the visitors center and we enjoyed a ranger presentation before walking along the rim and basking in the great views. None of us had ever been here, so everything was new. Checked out the free bus system and I decided to take a gamble on the "red route" - it takes you out to Hermit's Rest (farthest West you can drive in the park). Pretty big line but worth the wait. We saw elk several times along the road and snow was everywhere. Got off for a quick snack at the end of the road and then took our time getting back to the bus-transfer station (made three stops with scenic views and hiking trails). Met some nice people (that has happened a lot on this trip) who told us the good things to try in the park - and that we should go to Sedona someday. Kids working hard on their junior ranger all day. Time got away from us - by the time we were done with the bus it was already 1530L! I took the bus back to the car while Nicky and the kids listened to a ranger presentation on the California Condor. Made it to the visitors center in time to get their pins. Then took AZ-64 to the eastern entrance of the park, stopping at nearly every canyon view until we got to a place for a beautiful view of the sunset. Mostly ate food in the car all day - not by choice but because of the lack of restaurants... As we exited the park, we all agreed that the trip had been an adventure - that all of it was more than we had expected. It would be nice to return and take the train from Williams to the park or stay in a hotel/campground there. Drive after sunset via US-89 was very pretty - even with a sliver of moon could see glimpses of the painted desert. Made good time to the hotel - kids even had time to swim for awhile before bed.