120902 Grand Canyon

The long Labor Day weekend offered us a chance to visit one of the most iconic place on Earth, located right here in our home state of Arizona.  We live in this beautiful state for many, many years.  Yet, we did not make the effort to visit the Grand Canyon.

The last time I was at the Grand Canyon was around 15 years ago.  That visit was very short.  I did not much time to absorb its beauty, its majesty.  Also, summer temperature was brutally hot.  My memory of the Grand Canyon was not good.

Earlier this year though, our friends from Vietnam came to visit.  My wife, her sister and brother-in-law took them to see the Grand Canyon.  It was in the middle of spring.  They came back singing praises of the Grand Canyon.  So this past Labor Day weekend, my wife made reservation for us to visit and stay overnight at a hotel nearby.  This way, we did not have to rush.

The drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was dotted by the occasional rain, but otherwise uneventful.  Given this time was a holiday weekend, the line of cars at the entrance was long.  But the very efficient staff of the park shorten our wait time.

The weather was pleasantly comfortable, with patchy clouds overhead:  a perfect day to visit the Grand Canyon, indeed.  We hoped onto one of several free buses which took visitors to many places along the rim and into the village.  Our walk along the paved path of the South Rim began at the Visitors' Center.  This place was full of visitors from around the world.  French, German, Chinese, Japanese were a few of the spoken languages I recognized.  All enjoying the grandeur of this National Park.  Below are a few shots I took.  Hopefully, they convey a sense of majesty of the Grand Canyon.

Colors of the Grand Canyon.

Enjoying the majesty of the Grand Canyon.

As we walked along the paved path, a squirrel came out to grab a morsel of food.  It just sat there and enjoyed its meal.

Why is everyone looking at me? - photo by Mylinh

Enjoying lunch.

Sunset is the best time to appreciate the splendor of the Grand Canyon.  Its colorful radiance shines through beautifully.  But to capture such majesty in a photograph, one must select the right location, and have the right equipment.  Unfortunately, I was not prepared;  This visit would just be a scouting event.

The Grand Canyon at sunset.

After a goodnight sleep, we woke up early in hope of catching sunrise.  On my way to my car, I was pleasantly surprised by a young boy who was enthusiastically urging his family not to miss sunrise.  I hope his expectation was well met.

Meditation at sunrise.

Enjoying the magnificent view of the Grand Canyon.

A long way back up to the Rim.

Now that my opinion of the Grand Canyon is rectified, I look forward to more visits.  Maybe even a hike along one of its many trails.  The pictures above, and a few more, are at https://picasaweb.google.com/108013863525571472697/120902GrandCanyonScenic#.  And as always, I solicit and welcome your comments and critiques.

Enjoy.
Paul