Elk crossing at Grand Canyon

While traveling in many western national parks one must watch out for wildlife. Especially at dawn and dusk.

As I returned from Hermit’s rest (another post coming) a group of stopped cars told me some form of wildlife was about.

This cow elk seemed to hold no regard for the cars or visitors.

I think this visitor was just a little too close.

Our World-Hermit Road overlook Grand Canyon National Park

Winter is the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim as you don’t have to fight the crowds. Plus the Hermit Road is open to personal vehicle traffic, during summer it’s shuttle bus only or a special permit.

Or you can walk the rim trail west from the hotels and gift shops for 8 miles to Hermits Rest. But I only had two hours between Sunday’s speakers from the History Symposium and a field trip to see some of Grand Canyon’s historic boat collection (a future post).

I did not stay at the El Tovar. But I’ve had a few drinks on the porch overlooking the canyon. My accommodations at Yavapai West provided comfortable amenities and no canyon view, but was within walking distance of the Shrine of Ages where the symposium was held.

I drove out onto the Hermit Road for the view. Looking across canyon at the North Rim made me homesick. Looking down into Bright Angel Canyon I heard the trail call my name.

This to put the view into perspective, or at least provide names for what you’re looking at.

Sometimes I get lost looking at the North Rim from the South Rim. Like Wotons Throne (in center), I typically see from the plateau point to the left which is Cape Royal. I look forward to returning there in the spring.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Good night Grand Canyon

Friday afternoon the History Symposium got done a little early so I quickly headed for the canyon rim at nearby Yavapai Point to see the last light on the canyon walls. Outstanding as usual.

And very cold. So I slipped back into my warm truck to thaw out the picture-taking gloveless hands. And saw this guy through my windshield.

Then this sweet young gal crossed the trail in front of me when I returned to the rim.

I barely caught the last light on the top layers.

Then the light slipped away leaving a soft glow.

And a subtle show to the west.

With frozen hands I returned to the truck and rushed off for the Friday night banquet speaker, Wayne Raney talking about the geologists of Grand Canyon. (I’m working on symposium posts.)

SWF-Thru the RV door

While at Grand Canyon last weekend I missed quite a few sunsets due to the long hours of the History Symposium schedule, right on through banquet dinner speakers. Sunday I finally got a chance to visit with a friend who lives in a RV at the park because she works there. And this was our goodnight gift.

To view more skies from around the world, or to share your own, go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.

Thrifty Thursday–Never enough jewelry

Mike’s Mom owns an antiques and more store in Yarnell called “Patty and Sons” and I love to stop in to look over her stuff, especially the jewelry. Last week when I stopped in I found two great pieces.

This sterling silver cuff with turquoise inlay and…

…this little sterling silver container necklace.

The buffalos remind me of the emblem on the National Park Service logo.

The back, or front if you prefer, has been stamped.

Haven’t decided what to put in it yet.

What kind of second-hand treasures have you picked up recently? Link in below and share your finds with others.