Grand Canyon

A day of various trials and tribulations due to an unrewarding diversion of ~115 miles.  The original intent that day was to visit the Grand Canyon (North Rim) and the Horseshoe Bend (just south of Page) - though admittedly, the latter was a little out of the way.  Having failed to reach the Horseshoe Bend from the North side the day before due to a road closure, we decided to approach it from the south side and try again.  Well guess what - the road was closed at the other side as well and there was no alternative other than walking a few tens of miles before getting to the trail head, so that was a major no no.  Somewhat disappointed (and that's the PC version of the mood in the car), we headed back along the 89A as far as the 67 and then made our way to the Grand Canyon North Rim entrance.  In total, it turned out to be a splendid 590km journey - awesome ! loved every minute of it !

The entrance to the North Rim was let's say ... a little unspectacular which made me a little nervous about what we'd actually get to see.  Most people end up visiting the South Rim but that was just a tad too far away even for us.

 

Having entered the park, we headed for Point Imperial (8803 ft) for our first view - and it didn't disappoint.  I don't think any photo really reflects the enormity of the canyon, but sure that won't stop me trying.

 

 

After that it was on to Cape Royal and the Angel's Window trail.  Angel's are said to view the Colorado river through the hole in the rock - hence the name.

 

Angle's Window.  If you look through the window, you can make out the Colorado river.

On top of Angel's Window.

Looking down from Angel's Window.

Our last port of call (besides some other casual sight seeing) was the nearby Cape Canyon trail.  If you look very very closely you can see people at the top right of the photo, which gives an idea just how ridiculously immense the canyon is.

 Similarly in the photo below, there are actually people top left.

We finished the marathon journey off with a really lovely meal in the Rocking V restaurant in Kanab.