Grand Canyon Re-View

Another year goes by and once again I found myself staring into the abyss. Ok, it was actually the Grand Canyon.

Last year we went with the Ingraham branch of the family to Arizona to visit the famous national park and one year later, to the day, we found ourselves back there again, this time with the Morris family.

Initially I was reluctant to do the return trip. We had just been to the canyon, and a the very least I felt we ought to do it during a different season. But to accomodate everyone's schedules, the week after Christmas was the only time that worked.

I was so wrong. First of all, the canyon is just so incredibly gorgeous that you can't get tired of looking at it. Plus it is a constantly changing landscape. Even sitting and watching one spot, your eyes focus in from one thing to another as the light moves and the shadows come and go.

Also, last year we had a lot of fog. On my previous trip, 15 years ago, the canyon was foggy. This year was the first time I have ever had a really clear view all the way down into the canyon.

The other thing that made this trip so great is that we took a different path. With the Ingrahams, we journeyed west to Hermit's Rest using a road that is only open to private vehicles during the months of December and January. This year we went in the other direction to the Desert View Watchtower, at the far eastern end of the canyon. The view from the top of the watchtower was breathtaking.

It was a great family vacation and I think that everyone enjoyed themselves. There was a distinct lack of quarreling, which is the best gague of any family vacation. I'd even be willing to go back again next year, but I want to go to the far western end near Kingman and see the new glass skywalk. Hint, hint, Dad!