Camping in the Canyon - June 7, 2009

It was another cold morning when the sun came up in El Morro National Monument. We ate a hot breakfast, packed quickly and headed out from El Morro up to Gallup along NM 602 through the Zuni Mountains. We spent time in the car writing the blog and moving pictures from cameras to computers. Unfortunately, we were so involved with the blog that we drove right by the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest national parks west of Gallup. The distance to the Grand Canyon was twice what I had estimated. We passed up a gas stop and arrived in Williams, AZ with only about a gallon left in the tank. Still, the G6 pulled us through. Heading north on AZ 64 we arrived at the Grand Canyon in mid-afternoon. After setting up camp, we made our first stop for groceries. I'd like to stop here and thank my sister for provisioning us in St. Louis which lasted until today.

We took the shuttle east to the visitor center and walked out to Mather Point. The walk along the south rim was crowded with folks from all over the world. We took pictures of them, they took pictures of us and we all took pictures of the Canyon.

Hopping back on the shuttle we went to Grand Canyon Village and walked along the rim outside the lodge. On a ledge below the artist studio, three condors treated us to a display of wings. By the way, condors are delicious when cooked over an open fire. They serve about four people. Thanks to Mr. Cheney for his good shooting. Our condolences to the families of the park rangers who were in his line of fire.

Next: The Navajo Nation