Day 14
May 30, 2015
Miles: 30
Valle to Grand Canyon
I want to start this post with a happy birthday wish to my Mom!
Happy Birthday Mom! We miss and love you lots!
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Today was a special and very exciting day for us; we headed to the Grand Canyon this morning. We started by saying our goodbyes to Judy and Nancy, Eva's daughter. Sadly, Eva wasn't there this morning for us to say goodbye. We left after another wonderful breakfast, at about 9:30am. We strategically planned a short ride, so we would be able to spend the afternoon at the Canyon. As we rode to the Grand Canyon, we had butterflies in our stomach. Perhaps because of anticipation, or perhaps from the fear of knowing we would be 7000ft about sea level, while at the same time walking the South Rim of the Canyon. Whichever, it was still exhilarating!
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Steve's Breakfast
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We arrived at the Grand Canyon ... woo hooooo at 1:30pm after riding 30 miles. We had a quick lunch then headed to Bright Angel Trailhead. We spent a few hours walking the South Rim. This is actually my third time here, but Steve is a Canyon virgin so it has been wonderful watching him devour the Canyon with his camera, if this is even possible. The Grand Canyon is amazing! One of the seven natural wonders of the world. So vast that words cannot describe, so let's just let the pictures tell the story ...
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| Grand Canyon Entrance |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 1 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 2 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 3 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 4 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 5 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 6 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 7 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 8 |
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| South Rim Vantage Point 9 |
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| Bright Angel Path lower ridge
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| Di sitting on wall |
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| Di stuck to tree because of sap |
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| Di close to edge |
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| Di on different wall |
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| Mini me
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| Steve by wall |
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| Steve on Bright Angel Path |
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| Steve on the Job |
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| Steve Clowning Around |
What has been so great about this bike trip is that everyday has been a unique day. So very different from all the previous days. No repeats. No disappointments (well only one as pointed out by Steve - just not enough good coffee), just pleasant surprises. We are living with only what we are carrying on our bikes. No fuss, that and just the bare essentials - food, water, transportation and lodging; well that's not really all we are living with ... also the adventure. We are truly living in the moment every hour, which is extremely liberating. Looking out into the Canyon today reminded us just how small we really are. It was a truly amazing day!
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| Steve & Di |
We plan to set out early tomorrow morning to continue our exploration
of the Grand Canyon. Our plan is to ride the East Rim as we make our
way to Utah. The town of Cameron is our end goal for tomorrow.
About 52 miles.
Some random shots of the wildlife roaming about the South Rim.
We had such great, healthy lunch today that I just had to include this. We both had black bean soup. I had a kale and lentil bean salad and Steve a spinach and sweet potato wrap.
Yummy!
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| We had a great lunch - Gluten Free for Me! |
I'm crying joyful tears for you both. I can tell it has been a spiritual pilgrimage thus far. Thank you for including me through this blog. I've never been to the GC, so these pics have were awesome to help feel your experience. May God continue to carry you safely each step and pedal. Much love... ❤️
ReplyDeleteYay! You made it! Since I was 21, I told myself that I would read Bob Dylan's "Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie" while sitting and looking out over the Grand Canyon. Maybe you can do it today (if you have a good 10 minutes because it's LONG) since I, myself, haven't been able to get out there yet.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bobdylan.com/us/songs/last-thoughts-woody-guthrie
These pictures are gorgeous! I have never been to the Grand Canyon either, but it's on my to-do list. I flew over it when leaving Las Vegas and that was pretty amazing to see! It's hard to believe how massive it really is. Both meals look really delicious (& nutritious) today. You guys are killing it out there!
ReplyDeletePictures of the canyon were great! Love the food photos also. I'm jealous of your breakfast every morning. You both look extremely happy!
ReplyDeleteNice pictures! Looks like your having a blast. Continue to have fun and be safe.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making it to the Grand Canyon. It's on my list, too, although I will not be bike riding to get there. The pics are beautiful and glad you are taking the time to be in the moment. By the way, the FAQs were hilarious! Be safe and love ya!
ReplyDeleteThis was the day I waited to read, but needed to start with day 1. I am grinning because you both look so healthy and happy. The pictures are gorgeous. So beautiful it's hard to believe our country is filled with such amazing natural "parks!" I have been twice, with Mike at the El Tovar, and with Laura & Gina in 2011. They loved it too! Did you see the 'deer elk' or elk deer? All over the grass late at night? I love this part of our country! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete