Snow! Glorious Snow! Grand Canyon Magnificence!

We went to the Western Rim of the Grand Canyon on Friday after our visit to the Hoover Dam and a run through some 'towns' looking for fuel and an RV park. This rim, run by one of the local Native American tribes is a very professional business with the Sky Walk, a helicopter fleet, a private airport and buses or shuttles that take you around the three vantage points and a Western Town. (Ben a legend with a bow and Arrow, and dangerous on the quick draw. Shot the cowboy in the face when not in front of protective glass peppering him in gun powder residue. He was not happy) A licence to print money!!! After making the journey over corrugated dirt roads, we took our first look at the canyon. Magnificent!!!! (A full report will be compiled by Jordan, who has been set this as a homework task)
That night we drove into the mountains to Williams (Arizona) with cries of delight eminating from the back as they enjoyed snow by moonlight . You can imagine the exhillaration of the kids when they woke and took their first steps into decent snow (Last years highest snowfall in continental USA was in Williams). The resulting snowball fight lasted for over an hour with toes and fingers numb, and red blotches from impacts on faces. It was love at first sight!! We borrowed a snow shovel from the manager and the kids got to build their maiden snowman.
Finally we tore the kids away and made our way up to the National Park, the Southern Rim of the Canyon. Snow and the occasional bit of black ice everywhere! Suzi and I stood dumbfounded at the beauty of the place while the kids blasted each other, us and the occasional tourist with snowballs and hurled tons of the stuff over the edge. (Watch out hikers) While I was getting RSI in my camera finger, Sam took the opportunity to blind side mum and tackle her into the snow wherever possible. Judges decision is pending, but at this stage Suzi still looks to have the points on the board. Wait til he puts on another kg or 2. Alex is definitely his mothers son around the canyon edges, while Jordan is a little more reserved like his father. Ben is Ben! Wet shoes, wet gloves, wet everything, but still wanting to play, or just stand knee deep in the snow making train tracks.
The Canyon itself is breathtaking. We continue to be in awe of its sheer size and natural wonder. We attempted a dawn outing twice but failed to be there to experience the colour changes, but managed a couple of sunsets and were spell bound. We were blown away by the G.C. village itself. We expected to stay outside the park and enter each day, but were surprised to find that inside the gates is a full blown community with schools, shops and a free shuttle bus system that takes you from one vantage point to another on two routes. Deer freely wander through the RV grounds and around the park. Sam has definitely got the best eye, spotting deer and elk when no-one else can. Today we ventured on a mule trail down into the canyon, before we decided that it was too icy without the proper shoes and gave it away. We were also interviewed by a 3 man Korean nature show film crew, so for those of you with Korean pay TV, keep an eye out for us!
This afternoon we sadly left the South Rim by the desert view route, but the dark beat us. I cant start to express how depressed we are as we camp in Tuba City so we can see the dinosaur tracks and not on the rim. We really took a shining to the place and have vowed to return with hiking gear in future years to tackle the trails. After the dinosaurs we head to Utah and Lake Powell which is reportedly stunning on our way to Bryce Canyon which is meant to be even more beautiful then the G.C. Cant wait!!!
Until next time Hope that everyone is drying out and that you have not sustained too much damage or hardships. The Wockies.