Nov 7
Nov 8
Nov 9
Nov 10
Nov 11 - 12
Nov 13
Nov 14 - 15
Thursday, November 9 We got up about 7 and goofed off here for a while. Carl called his retina specialist about the seepage in his eye. He has an appointment for when we get back. It looks like this replacement lens will have to go and he'll have a contact lens in one eye (or really weird glasses) when the dust settles. (Later note: the cataract replacement lens that was giving him problems has been removed and replaced with a third lens that seems to be settling in nicely - no seepage and better vision.)
After breakfast (and a waiter that messed up our order a couple of times), we hopped on the Red Route bus heading for Hermit's Rest. We got off at every one of the stops (7 or 8) to look around and take photos.
Our first overlook was called Trail View Overlook, which has a good view not only of the Canyon, but also of the Bright Angel Trail. The photo on the left above shows the 1.5 Mile Rest House, where we turned around yesterday. The center photo shows the lower end of the switchbacks on this stretch of trail. The photo on the right shows one of the larger turns in the trail. In the winter, there's a lot of ice in this corner.
The photo on the left shows the Canyon from Trail View Overlook, with Plateau Point (the flat area with the trail across the top of it) in the foreground and Bright Angel Canyon stretching into the distance.
The photo on the right was taken at our second stop, Maricopa Point. The Canyon looks a little different from each overlook.
We continued our journey and got off at the next stop, Powell Memorial Point. This is where John Wesley Powell climbed to the rim of the Canyon from the River during his traverse of the Canyon. This is also one of the first stops where the Colorado River is visible from the Rim. Both of these photos are essentially the same. The photo on the right is zoomed in closer on the Colorado River.
Continuing our bus trip along the Rim, our next stop was Hopi Point. The photo on the left shows the view of the Colorado River from this overlook.
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We saw some stacked rocks at this stop (Hopi Point). I got down on one knee to take a photo or two, and over bent my knees.... I had to get Carl to help me back to my feet....
The photo on the left above shows me taking photos of the balanced rocks (they're on the right side of the photo). The center photo shows the balanced rocks against the far Canyon walls. The photo on the right shows the balanced rocks with the Colorado River far below.
And so we continued on to Mojave Point. The photo on the left shows Carl enjoying the view from this viewpoint.
The photo on the right is the view he was enjoying, complete with the Colorado River.
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The photo on the left shows some of the rapids in the Colorado River and the seasonal river that flows through one of the side canyons. This view is from Pima Point. There used to be a commercial campground just up the side stream from this photo.
The photo on the right shows the welcome arch at Hermit's Rest, the turn around point for the buses.
Lunch was energy bars and water at one of the overlooks.
After Hermit's Rest, we got back on the shuttle for the return trip and just stayed on the bus for the entire trip.
We went back to the room to download photos. As we neared our room, these mule deer were crossing the road.
Once we returned to the room, I sat with the heating pad on my knees for a while. Getting old is for the birds...
We had an early dinner. This time, we split the turkey. Waitress must be ready to quit for the night as she messed up part of the order (salads finally delivered AFTER the entree....)
Then back to the room to crash for the night.