A threat of storms encouraged us to head to the park as soon as we were all up and moving. It’s monsoon season in the Grand Canyon, so pop-up storms happen often, and there are not a lot of shelters along the rim. We were fortunate to avoid a storm as we headed up toward Hermit’s Rest, taking advantage of a few stops on the way up. The views, of course, were indescribable. To be honest, I was having trouble really taking in the vastness of the canyon. We all remarked that it felt like we were looking at an intricately painted backdrop.

Hermit’s Rest was our final overlook stop, and Tim and Grandmother got a little snack and we relaxed for a bit with another amazing view.

Storm clouds started to roll in, so we hopped on the bus back to our car. We got in the car right before a burst of rain. Perfect timing!

Tim decided a low key afternoon was in order with the long drive to Yosemite we have ahead tomorrow. The National Geographic IMAX is quite close to our hotel, so we decided to go back to watch the movie and have a good dinner in town before going back to the canyon for a sunset view.

We arrived back in the park with plenty of time before sunset, but always wondering what was just around the next turn led us to sunset without a spot to view it.

We decided to go back to Mather Point where we started the day, but were stopped on the way there by an elk with the most enormous antlers we’ve seen. We couldn’t just speed past him!

Tim squealed into the parking lot at Mather Point, and I ran (no easy feat with a stomach still full of Mexican food) toward the rim. However, when I arrived, a nice gentleman shared that the sun had just disappeared. I had just missed it! Because of the recent rain, there was still a heavy cloud presence, so we didn’t get to see the canyon on fire; just the sky. It was a gorgeous sky, though, with pinks, purples, mustard yellows, and silver threaded throughout.

Tim and I decided we would catch the canyon on fire with a sunset on our next trip out. 🙂 (Though I did suggest we try to catch the sunrise tomorrow morning… Tim just laughed.)

We’re on the road again tomorrow to our final national park of the tour, Yosemite (El Portal). It’s a twelve hour drive nonstop, so we’re looking at a late arrival. Tim hasn’t decided yet if he would like to pass through Vegas on our way, so we might gamble the day away instead of drive. 😉

*Note: When we arrive in Yosemite (with or without our Vegas winnings), we are not guaranteed cell service, so it may be difficult to get in touch with any of us. The WiFi also has a charge of $10 a day, so we’re not sure we’ll be posting while we’re in Yosemite at all. So, have no fear, those of you who have checked in with us every day… all will be well, we just might have a radio silence for a bit. In case of an emergency, call the Yosemite View Lodge directly at 209-379-2681.

L