The Scenic Route

Thursday, July 21:  We slept in late today – Are you surprised?  We are all a bit sore, Mom the most.  It took 3 Ibuprofen before I could walk or sit/stand without holding onto furniture, my knees are killing me. Good thing today is mostly a driving day.

Broke camp at 11:45 and started South towards the Arizona state line.  Just before that we had a decision to make.  Take the longer main 89 route or alternate 89 which is more scenic.  We opted for the scenic route, which wound us up through the Kaibab National Forest, just shy of elevation 8,000ft.  Coming down on the south side of the mountains, we found ourselves surrounded by huge red cliffs (Vermillion Cliffs) to the North and South.  

We stopped at a couple scenic turnouts, the girls bought some more jewelry from Native American women.  This route took us to a tip of the Grand Canyon, it’s narrowest point where it is bridged by the Navajo Bridge.  We got a quick peak at the Canyon and the headwaters of the Colorado River.  We passed a point called Lee's Ferry which is where rafters begin their journey down the Colorado.  We then turned South making our way to our campground which is at the South Rim of Grand Canyon.  It’s hot and very windy.

Once we entered Grand Canyon National Park, we couldn’t help but stop at the first scenic overlook, Desert View.  It offered stunning views of the Grand Canyon along with 3 gift shops which Rachel especially appreciated.  She got a bling bling ball cap for the mule ride on Saturday and Mom and Dad got 2 Grand Canyon engraved wine  glasses for toasting our arrival tonight.

We stopped to get some gas in town, $4.29/gallon, before stopping for the night.  At each fuel stop Mom pumps the gas, Rachel's job is to clean the windshield. 

  

We finally reached our campground just before 8pm (Pacific Time, now).  Couldn’t level the rig in site 288 so opted for 287.  Leveled best we could, only to find 287 did not have 30 amp electric so we pulled out for a second time and went back to site 288.  Used blocks to level the rig and headed to the nearest steakhouse for dinner.  After a great meal with fantastic service, we went back to the rig and enjoyed the robust wifi service.  Nothing makes the girls happier right now than reliable, fast WIFI.