After a quick drive over the mountains from Flagstaff we arrived at the big hole. Despite it being off-season it was still relatively crowded and we were hard-pressed to find parking. Spent a couple hours on the rim checking out the views (very hard to do when the sun is directly overhead as the colors are all washed out) and then went for a couple hour hike partly down Angel Trail to the 1.5 mile marker. Had we continued, we could have pushed on to the Colorado itself, 5000 feet below and 10 miles in. Unfortunately we had a dog (abeit sleeping) in the car and the sun was starting to set so we pushed ourselves back up to the rim to enjoy the sunset. Went to Yvapai point to enjoy the view from the South Rim and were not disappointed. Definitely the best time of day to enjoy the views.
Temperature dropped quickly from the mid-70s to low-40s and we sought out the El Tovar hotel in the park for dinner. It feels like you are transported back in time about 70 years- a truly majestic old fir and stone lodge. Staff in bowties and prices to match, we enjoyed a very nice meal (although Jenna ordered some crap for dessert) to finish off the day.
Had to sneak Kaya into the hotel tonight as they did not accept pets. A $300 fine incurred if you are caught, so we swaddled her in towels and did our best ET impression.
Wish we had more time here to hike all the way down and jump into the Colorado. Definitely would like to do the two-week rafting trip of the Grand Canyon again someday. The best way to experience the vastness of the Grand Canyon.
Starting to think maybe Jenna gets credit for spending $90 on a National Park pass. Would have cost us $25 just to get into Grand Canyon National Park. That being said, by my estimate we've only saved $35 to date and only a few parks to go....
Tomorrow- Vegas baby!
Driving totals:
Today: 73 miles, 68mph, 15.5mph
Total: 962 miles, 65mph, 14.2mpg
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