We left Zion Park yesterday morning and drove to the Grand Canyon (indirectly). Apparently, the first time we made reservations for the Grand Canyon days we thought we would be driving up from Flagstaff (the southern route) and never adjusted our RV park plans to reflect approaching from the north (only an extra 180 miles). It was scenic and it was very desolate. Midway through the drive Julie looks over to me and says, “Maybe people don’t take this route very often”.

We did get some beautiful weather for the drive and the kids made the most of the car time. I also had ample time to talk about the downside of streaming music with Reed and Annie, who are newfound Spotify agitators. We were "offline" for most of the drive and the kids were frustrated that they couldn't listen to music so I went through the whole bit about owning the song, or just renting them. Reed (astutely and soberingly) says, "you mean I have to buy all these songs"? He calculated $28 worth of music that he really considers necessary so he's now coming to terms with that proposition. We'll see what conclusion he reaches.

We did finally make it to the Grand Canyon, and it was breathtaking. It really does seem surreal to be standing on the rim of such vast open air and colors and mountainous canyons. Edward said (properly) "the Grand Canyon is Massive!".

 

The kids also took the time to complete the Junior Park Ranger program (we have badges). The lecture yesterday afternoon by the ranger was on the topic of canyon birds. We have four little experts who tested their knowledge today on our bike ride along the rim (that almost didn't happen).

Last night's dinner was from the Pizza Factory with a great slogan. It's on the main drag in Williams, AZ, which is the last town bypassed by I-40 on historic Route 66 (a nugget and meal we would have missed if we had stayed efficient and approached from the north). When we rolled into town we had a time parking the RV. It was definitely Happy Hour and the locals and tourists were in abundance. I found a little spot on a side street and parked. The weather at that time was still warm but we've learned that when the sun goes down it gets cooler. Stepping out of the RV I said, "I'm wondering if I should get a jacket" and with the same tone and sencerity, Edward said, "I'm wondering if I should get a donut". These happen all the time. That one had us in stitches.

Today we had ambitious plans to bike along the rim of the canyon. We had the option of three trails (easy, moderate, difficult). We chose the moderate course of 11miles (round-trip) and set off this morning from Williams, AZ (about a 60mile drive). We arrived at the main entrance at about 11:50, got to the parking lot at 12:30 and realized Julie's tire was flat. I rode my bike (one handed with the rear tire in tow) to the visitor center where the bike shop got us a new tube and sent us on the way. I got back to the group at 1:15 and we scavenged the scraps of leftover sandwiches and Z bars from the Grit for lunch. It's 1:45 (2 hrs since arriving) and we're finally ready to go (Grace had plenty of sunscreen). Who's got the car keys? Where's my helmet? Have you seen my camelback? Should I bring extra bars? Do you have the trail map? I need to go to the bathroom (not a joke). Edward looks up at me and says, "I thought we were actually going to be riding bikes". Me too Edward.

We finally got going and were greeted with about a 600 foot climb (6% grade) for the first mile. It almost killed Annie. I knew it would be tough. However, we all coached each other a bit for the first little bit and then got to the views. My goodness. It was difficult to focus on the road. The kids had a blast. When we got to the turnaround we had the option of getting on the bus with our bikes or riding back. We rode back. It was a proud moment. Everyone did great. Reed of course was full of excitement, while Grace and Edward had the pleasure of just relaxing (Julie and I have the little pair on our bikes). The real champ today was Annie, who is riding the worst bike (don't tell her) and the front brake is catching. She had a moment when she wanted to quit and we stopped, she got some water, and we talked about Vicky Hulsey and Jon Andrew McKinney, about how thankful they would be for a ride like this and a day like this on a bike. Annie really understood what a great joy this was. Her legs still hurt but her attitude changed completely. She rode back today for them and their friendship, remembering how grateful we are for healthy bodies that can be pushed and for the moment of that canyon ride. It was a sweet memory for me, to see that lightbulb go on and for her to make the direct connection between her attitude about that ride back and the gift of life that she's been given. That's why we ride.

 

Just so we end properly with some good RV humor, I'm giving you a few gems from the RV park tonight. Make sure to read the pool rules carefully. There are some serious health concerns we have about the water. You could not have paid me any amount of money to jump in there tonight...did I mention it's indoor? That's right...there's a shuttle to take you to the pool...in the hotel across the street. Did not phase the kids though so we will be observing them closely for the next 24 hours. 

Just in case you can't make church, there's a Wild West show in the lobby of the Pet Resort in our RV Park (that's not a joke...I did not make this up...it's a real thing). We are going to try and leave before the shootout at the OK Coral. Lake Powell awaits.