The Grand Canyon - Pinch me, I'm really here!

The drive across Arizona from the Petrified Forest is incredible and although I was listening to podcasts the whole way, the almost 6 hour drive kept me riveted. First I made a stop in Winslow, Arizona because I just had to stand on the corner, hopped back in my car and continued on my way toward Flagstaff and then up 89 to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The canyon is about 277 miles long and, because I chose to stay way up on the north rim, I had a looooong drive up the east side.

 You can see the layers of rock with the rich red tones. The land is so flat and these formations are just THERE!

 Wild buffalo just hanging out in the fields driving up to the lodge.

 This was my first glimpse of the view from the Grand Canyon Lodge parking lot. Come on! How is this possible?! I admit, I cried a little.

I was staying at the Grand Canyon Lodge, which has been there for almost 100 years. The main lodge is where all the action is - food, saloon, deli, viewing balconies, etc. My room was in the furthest building from the lodge (close to a 1/2 mile) and I made the trip back and forth 14 times in 2 days.  After I settled in, I made my way back to the lodge to grab a drink and let reality hit me.

 I got to see the sun set while sitting on the balcony, sipping a cocktail and hanging out with a family visiting from the U.K. Life doesn't get much better than this!

 The next morning I was sitting on the balcony, mug of tea in hand, watching the sun make it's way down into the canyon. 

 I then took an amazing hike along the canyon (above 8,000 feet elevation) and kept stopping to take in the view. More tears shed. 

I knew it would be busy but choosing to visit the north rim instead of the south rim was a smart move. I hiked for 2 hours and saw only one other person. I always found a seat on the balcony at the lodge and I met some wonderful people from all over the world. Next stop, Utah. Not sure how it can better than this!