The drive from Flagstaff up to Grand Canyon rises and falls along steep grades. I opted to take Switzer Canyon Rd out of town passing through pine forest before entering a National Forest that appeared rather stunted. Leaving early ensures the possibility of finding parking when arriving at the park. Mid-morning light lessens the drama of the canyon and crowds of people struggle for room at the railings. A constant haze hangs over the ravine. Talking to a park ranger at the Visitor's Centre entails waiting in a long line-up. Water fountains are located everywhere. I enjoyed the proffered introductory movie and toured the park bookstore before driving over to register for my campsite. A-2 right at the entrance a short stroll from the shuttle bus stop.
Settled in and got my photos organized and had lunch. Late afternoon walked over and checked out the General Store shaking my head at the prices and visited the Park Lodge where I used their internet signal to check mail. Found the McKee Amphitheatre and learned I didn't have my devices set to Mountain time. I did have reading material but wished for a pillow for the wooden bench.
At 7:40 Mountain Time lanky pony-tailed Ranger Joel arrived and began answering questions from all comers. Creationists might have become uncomfortable. The slide show told the history of Grand Canyon in terms of the idea of the park. Beginning as a useless piece of real estate lacking in resources, moving on to a fascinating historical geological artifact, becoming a tourist trap for money-grabbing entrepreneurs, and finally a National Park. Highlighted was the tension between the twin goals of providing recreational resources for 4 million tourists per year and preserving unique ecosystems for native flora and fauna. The study of the canyon's geological strata goes on to this day and tour groups brave the mighty Colorado.
Arose at 4:30 to discover dawn's early light already upon us. The sky is devoid of cloud though haze hangs constantly over the miles wide canyon. Got to take photographs as the sun rose over the North Rim. Were I ambitious I'd be walking up to see the sun set over the South Rim but alas. I walked the Rim Trail West until my camera ran out of battery power. Walked back past the amphitheatre putting in nearly 5 miles. Took the shuttle bus after a rest to visit the park bookstore and read E-mail at the lodge. Settled in here to catch up with my literary efforts.
Ranger Lance at his evening presentation talked about using your senses to "see" the park. Once more the programme was rather earnest in nature. This 31-year-old was a troglodyte.
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