Day 6 Grand Canyon, Flowers, and Snow

Hot water cooks for breakfast. (We were big on simple meals.) At Mather Campground, at Grand Canyon Village.

2008-06-21T07:10:12Z

elf1
Hot water cooks for breakfast. (We were big on simple meals.) At Mather Campground, at Grand Canyon Village.

Here we are again--looking a little colder than when we went to Havasu Falls.

2008-06-21T07:10:13Z

elf1
Here we are again--looking a little colder than when we went to Havasu Falls.

The trail through Mather Campground to the showers, shuttle stop, Market Plaza, and beyond was a nice little hike, maybe 1/4 mile from our tent to the road. We walked it many times.

2008-06-21T07:10:13Z

elf1
The trail through Mather Campground to the showers, shuttle stop, Market Plaza, and beyond was a nice little hike, maybe 1/4 mile from our tent to the road. We walked it many times.

Predicted high for today, 43; low: 34. 40% chance of thundershowers. Notice that there's no mention of hail or snow.

2008-06-21T07:10:14Z

elf1
Predicted high for today, 43; low: 34. 40% chance of thundershowers. Notice that there's no mention of hail or snow.

The General Store in Grand Canyon Village is huge. But they didn't have a replacement battery for my SLR camera, which had already almost used up 2 batteries. (No elec hookups in the campsit ...

2008-06-21T07:10:14Z

elf1
The General Store in Grand Canyon Village is huge. But they didn't have a replacement battery for my SLR camera, which had already almost used up 2 batteries. (No elec hookups in the campsit ...

So we drove out of the park to Tusayan (TOO se yon), the main village about 5 miles outside the park. They didn't have a battery, either. Coming back in through the South Entrance Station, t ...

2008-06-21T07:10:15Z

elf1
So we drove out of the park to Tusayan (TOO se yon), the main village about 5 miles outside the park. They didn't have a battery, either. Coming back in through the South Entrance Station, t ...

Back at camp, we started walking to catch the shuttle bus, and then it started hailing/snowing. Our sentences were sprinkled with "I can't believe this!"

2008-06-21T07:10:16Z

elf1
Back at camp, we started walking to catch the shuttle bus, and then it started hailing/snowing. Our sentences were sprinkled with "I can't believe this!"

You can really see it come down now. Linda practices looking not cold.

2008-06-21T07:10:16Z

elf1
You can really see it come down now. Linda practices looking not cold.

Many of the paths in the Village area were broad, paved trails through the woods.

2008-06-21T07:10:17Z

elf1
Many of the paths in the Village area were broad, paved trails through the woods.

Linda hangs at the shuttle bus stop.

2008-06-21T07:10:17Z

elf1
Linda hangs at the shuttle bus stop.

A different fiew of the shuttle bus stop. In case you needed one.

2008-06-21T07:10:18Z

elf1
A different fiew of the shuttle bus stop. In case you needed one.

After a transfer, we got to our first shuttle stop along the rim, and the blowing snow obscured parts of the canyon. But the rock formations were gorgeous.

2008-06-21T07:10:19Z

elf1
After a transfer, we got to our first shuttle stop along the rim, and the blowing snow obscured parts of the canyon. But the rock formations were gorgeous.

Do they look better--or deeper-- in portrait mode? I enjoy how the whites of the upper layers (Kaibab Limestone, Toroweap, and Coconino Sandstone) contrast with the reds of the deeper layers ...

2008-06-21T07:10:19Z

elf1
Do they look better--or deeper-- in portrait mode? I enjoy how the whites of the upper layers (Kaibab Limestone, Toroweap, and Coconino Sandstone) contrast with the reds of the deeper layers ...

Then the sun came out, and we could see all the way back to Grand Canyon Village further back along the rim.

2008-06-21T07:10:20Z

elf1
Then the sun came out, and we could see all the way back to Grand Canyon Village further back along the rim.

The rim has many viewpoints, like this one, right along the edge. You can look wayyyy out and wayyyy down. They all have railings. Sometimes that doesn't help much.

2008-06-21T07:10:21Z

elf1
The rim has many viewpoints, like this one, right along the edge. You can look wayyyy out and wayyyy down. They all have railings. Sometimes that doesn't help much.

Here's a first glimpse of the most-traveled trail in the park, the Bright Angel Trail, starting at Grand Canyon Village and going across the canyon face to the right, then sashaying left and ...

2008-06-21T07:10:21Z

elf1
Here's a first glimpse of the most-traveled trail in the park, the Bright Angel Trail, starting at Grand Canyon Village and going across the canyon face to the right, then sashaying left and ...

Then snow flurries would blow through and limit our views briefly. But every change made the canyon look like a different place!

2008-06-21T07:10:22Z

elf1
Then snow flurries would blow through and limit our views briefly. But every change made the canyon look like a different place!

A composite showing the Bright Angel Trail from Grand Canyon Village all the way out past Indian Garden and to the edge of the Plateau--after that, it drops another 1000 feet or more. Check ...

2008-06-21T07:10:22Z

elf1
A composite showing the Bright Angel Trail from Grand Canyon Village all the way out past Indian Garden and to the edge of the Plateau--after that, it drops another 1000 feet or more. Check ...

Close-up of the first part of Bright Angel Trail.

2008-06-21T07:10:23Z

elf1
Close-up of the first part of Bright Angel Trail.

Close-up of the next part of Bright Angel Trail.

2008-06-21T07:10:23Z

elf1
Close-up of the next part of Bright Angel Trail.

Close-up of the middle part of Bright Angel Trail.

2008-06-21T07:10:24Z

elf1
Close-up of the middle part of Bright Angel Trail.

Close-up of real switchbacks on Bright Angel Trail.

2008-06-21T07:10:24Z

elf1
Close-up of real switchbacks on Bright Angel Trail.

Bright Angel Trail out to the edge of the lower plateau.

2008-06-21T07:10:25Z

elf1
Bright Angel Trail out to the edge of the lower plateau.

Looking out beyond the end of Bright Angel Trail to the canyon and more snow.

2008-06-21T07:10:26Z

elf1
Looking out beyond the end of Bright Angel Trail to the canyon and more snow.

The clouds were occasionally lovely. Again, the contrast of white vs red stone.

2008-06-21T07:10:27Z

elf1
The clouds were occasionally lovely. Again, the contrast of white vs red stone.

The snow sometimes obscured branches of the Canyon.

2008-06-21T07:10:27Z

elf1
The snow sometimes obscured branches of the Canyon.

A view of El Tovar, the big lodge in Grand Canyon Village. It's not exactly on the edge of the cliffs--there's lawn and a path and a railing.

2008-06-21T07:10:28Z

elf1
A view of El Tovar, the big lodge in Grand Canyon Village. It's not exactly on the edge of the cliffs--there's lawn and a path and a railing.

Very close photo of the first downslope of the Bright Angel Trail, where you go through a little tunnel in an outcropping. I've been down that part of the trail (not this trip).

2008-06-21T07:10:29Z

elf1
Very close photo of the first downslope of the Bright Angel Trail, where you go through a little tunnel in an outcropping. I've been down that part of the trail (not this trip).

Another telephoto of Bright Angel Trail, showing steps.

2008-06-21T07:10:29Z

elf1
Another telephoto of Bright Angel Trail, showing steps.

There's an actual outhouse about every one and 1/4 miles along the Bright Angel Trail.

2008-06-21T07:10:30Z

elf1
There's an actual outhouse about every one and 1/4 miles along the Bright Angel Trail.

Bright Angel Trail again.

2008-06-21T07:10:31Z

elf1
Bright Angel Trail again.

With the skies overcast, the rocks seemed dark, not so red.

2008-06-21T07:10:32Z

elf1
With the skies overcast, the rocks seemed dark, not so red.

Linda climbs the stairs away from one of the overlooks.

2008-06-21T07:10:32Z

elf1
Linda climbs the stairs away from one of the overlooks.

Another view of the canyon. I took no notes. Bad photographer.

2008-06-21T07:10:33Z

elf1
Another view of the canyon. I took no notes. Bad photographer.

Linda waves from the upper overlook.

2008-06-21T07:10:34Z

elf1
Linda waves from the upper overlook.

A view of the edge of the plateau and just barely Indian garden in the lower right corner.

2008-06-21T07:10:34Z

elf1
A view of the edge of the plateau and just barely Indian garden in the lower right corner.

Top Center: Bright Angel Canyon, then the trail, then Indian Garden in the center again. So-called because the Havasupai gardened there for hundreds of years until the Park Service kicked th ...

2008-06-21T07:10:35Z

elf1
Top Center: Bright Angel Canyon, then the trail, then Indian Garden in the center again. So-called because the Havasupai gardened there for hundreds of years until the Park Service kicked th ...

Instead of taking the shuttle along the Rim Trail, the weather turned so nice that we walked. We were lucky to have tons of wildflowers. This is, I believe, bladderpod (lesquerella intermedi ...

2008-06-21T07:10:36Z

elf1
Instead of taking the shuttle along the Rim Trail, the weather turned so nice that we walked. We were lucky to have tons of wildflowers. This is, I believe, bladderpod (lesquerella intermedi ...

Fleabane (erigeron concinnus). All of these plant IDs are my best guesses.

2008-06-21T07:10:37Z

elf1
Fleabane (erigeron concinnus). All of these plant IDs are my best guesses.

What I believe to be Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) bloomed everywhere. I took dozens of photos in different locations. They were so nice to pose for me.

2008-06-21T07:10:37Z

elf1
What I believe to be Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) bloomed everywhere. I took dozens of photos in different locations. They were so nice to pose for me.

Bladderpod again, with more blooms. (lesquerella intermedia)

2008-06-21T07:10:38Z

elf1
Bladderpod again, with more blooms. (lesquerella intermedia)

The rim trail is paved, but barely wide enough for two people. And the only thing separating you from a long plunge is a low border of rocks. Here, it's not too bad, but in some places--

2008-06-21T07:10:38Z

elf1
The rim trail is paved, but barely wide enough for two people. And the only thing separating you from a long plunge is a low border of rocks. Here, it's not too bad, but in some places--

The rocks take such interesting shapes.

2008-06-21T07:10:39Z

elf1
The rocks take such interesting shapes.

Yellow flowers, unidentified so far, and Mr. Ant Hills.

2008-06-21T07:10:39Z

elf1
Yellow flowers, unidentified so far, and Mr. Ant Hills.

Unidentified white flower on a shrub.

2008-06-21T07:10:40Z

elf1
Unidentified white flower on a shrub.

Linda admires the view. We both stood and just looked for eons. The place cannot be done justice in photos.

2008-06-21T07:10:41Z

elf1
Linda admires the view. We both stood and just looked for eons. The place cannot be done justice in photos.

Linda ponders the view while the photographer sneaks up on the informational sign.

2008-06-21T07:10:41Z

elf1
Linda ponders the view while the photographer sneaks up on the informational sign.

The park is laced with faults, and water tends to follow the nonconformities in the earth, like the Bright Angel Fault (or the Havasu fault, which we hiked into earlier in the week, with for ...

2008-06-21T07:10:42Z

elf1
The park is laced with faults, and water tends to follow the nonconformities in the earth, like the Bright Angel Fault (or the Havasu fault, which we hiked into earlier in the week, with for ...

This sign was supposed to help me identify my photos later. Hah.

2008-06-21T07:10:43Z

elf1
This sign was supposed to help me identify my photos later. Hah.

Barely visible at top left: the bright green Lodge roof on the North Rim. The canyon is huge! The white Permian limestone and sandstone gives way to the sloping Hermit Shale (with some veget ...

2008-06-21T07:10:44Z

elf1
Barely visible at top left: the bright green Lodge roof on the North Rim. The canyon is huge! The white Permian limestone and sandstone gives way to the sloping Hermit Shale (with some veget ...

Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa). As they fade, they turn lilac and droop.

2008-06-21T07:10:44Z

elf1
Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa). As they fade, they turn lilac and droop.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa) in full bloom.

2008-06-21T07:10:45Z

elf1
Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa) in full bloom.

Mr. Alien about to have a really bad accident that ends in "aiyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (thud)."

2008-06-21T07:10:46Z

elf1
Mr. Alien about to have a really bad accident that ends in "aiyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (thud)."

Probably Firecracker Penstemon (penstemon eatoni).

2008-06-21T07:10:47Z

elf1
Probably Firecracker Penstemon (penstemon eatoni).

Linda strolling along the rim trail.

2008-06-21T07:10:47Z

elf1
Linda strolling along the rim trail.

Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) again.

2008-06-21T07:10:48Z

elf1
Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) again.

Most of the rim trail and viewpoints are closed through late this year while they completely redo the road. So fully half the road, beyond Hopi Point, was off limits to us. As it turns out, ...

2008-06-21T07:10:49Z

elf1
Most of the rim trail and viewpoints are closed through late this year while they completely redo the road. So fully half the road, beyond Hopi Point, was off limits to us. As it turns out, ...

The desert flora made for more nice views.

2008-06-21T07:10:50Z

elf1
The desert flora made for more nice views.

The rim trail is badly in need of repairs in many places.

2008-06-21T07:10:50Z

elf1
The rim trail is badly in need of repairs in many places.

Here, part of the rim trail apparently took a long trip ending in "aiyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (thud)." You can see that you're living on the edge with no protection. Don't look down.

2008-06-21T07:10:51Z

elf1
Here, part of the rim trail apparently took a long trip ending in "aiyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (thud)." You can see that you're living on the edge with no protection. Don't look down.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

2008-06-21T07:10:51Z

elf1
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Even the conifers look happy and healthy.

2008-06-21T07:10:52Z

elf1
Even the conifers look happy and healthy.

Probably a Utah Juniper.

2008-06-21T07:10:53Z

elf1
Probably a Utah Juniper.

The shuttle buses came by every 15 minutes. They're powered by natural gas.

2008-06-21T07:10:53Z

elf1
The shuttle buses came by every 15 minutes. They're powered by natural gas.

Some of the construction work along Hermit Road.

2008-06-21T07:10:54Z

elf1
Some of the construction work along Hermit Road.

The Orphan Mine. Mined uranium.

2008-06-21T07:10:55Z

elf1
The Orphan Mine. Mined uranium.

Probably Spreading Phlox.

2008-06-21T07:10:55Z

elf1
Probably Spreading Phlox.

Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) yet again.

2008-06-21T07:10:56Z

elf1
Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) yet again.

The walkways to lookout points sometimes ran across very narrow rock bridges. Some were too much for me.

2008-06-21T07:10:57Z

elf1
The walkways to lookout points sometimes ran across very narrow rock bridges. Some were too much for me.

Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) a penultimate time

2008-06-21T07:10:58Z

elf1
Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) a penultimate time

The canyon goes on and on

2008-06-21T07:10:58Z

elf1
The canyon goes on and on

The red stone in the upper foreground layers is 300-500 million years old; the broad white of Bright Angel Shale and Tapeats Sandstone is 530-545 million years old.

2008-06-21T07:10:59Z

elf1
The red stone in the upper foreground layers is 300-500 million years old; the broad white of Bright Angel Shale and Tapeats Sandstone is 530-545 million years old.

Orphan Mine again. How'd you like to work out of a hole in the side of a cliff?

2008-06-21T07:10:59Z

elf1
Orphan Mine again. How'd you like to work out of a hole in the side of a cliff?

Ridges within the canyon are shaped by the type of rock and flows of water.

2008-06-21T07:11:00Z

elf1
Ridges within the canyon are shaped by the type of rock and flows of water.

More great rocks.

2008-06-21T07:11:01Z

elf1
More great rocks.

I think there's a viewpoint on the top of that far point--if the photo is expanded, you can just barely see people standing there.

2008-06-21T07:11:01Z

elf1
I think there's a viewpoint on the top of that far point--if the photo is expanded, you can just barely see people standing there.

I found the layers within layers of rock intriguing.

2008-06-21T07:11:02Z

elf1
I found the layers within layers of rock intriguing.

Closeup of one of the rock walls.

2008-06-21T07:11:03Z

elf1
Closeup of one of the rock walls.

It's starting to get cold again. I didn't bring my down jacket on the rim trip.

2008-06-21T07:11:04Z

elf1
It's starting to get cold again. I didn't bring my down jacket on the rim trip.

Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) one last time.

2008-06-21T07:11:04Z

elf1
Thickleaf Penstemon (penstemon pachyphyllus) one last time.

The parking lot of the last viewpoint that we could get to. Because the road is closed off to regular traffic, it's empty. Try that trick again in another year.

2008-06-21T07:11:05Z

elf1
The parking lot of the last viewpoint that we could get to. Because the road is closed off to regular traffic, it's empty. Try that trick again in another year.

And now it's really cold and snow/hailing again.

2008-06-21T07:11:05Z

elf1
And now it's really cold and snow/hailing again.

Canyon? What canyon?

2008-06-21T07:11:06Z

elf1
Canyon? What canyon?

At just about our last viewpoint, we can finally see the Colorado River far below.

2008-06-21T07:11:07Z

elf1
At just about our last viewpoint, we can finally see the Colorado River far below.

So many rocks to erode, so little time. Geologically speaking. Or not.

2008-06-21T07:11:08Z

elf1
So many rocks to erode, so little time. Geologically speaking. Or not.

From some viewpoints, you can really see down a long way.

2008-06-21T07:11:09Z

elf1
From some viewpoints, you can really see down a long way.

The Colorado River got its name because its water was so red. Here, it's green; nowadays it runs red (eroding land and carrying away the silt) only when the various dams are letting water ou ...

2008-06-21T07:11:10Z

elf1
The Colorado River got its name because its water was so red. Here, it's green; nowadays it runs red (eroding land and carrying away the silt) only when the various dams are letting water ou ...

The Colorado River, glimpsed here again, carved only part of the Grand Canyon. Havasu Creek, Bright Angel Creek, and others contributed to the vast expanse of interconnected canyons that we ...

2008-06-21T07:11:11Z

elf1
The Colorado River, glimpsed here again, carved only part of the Grand Canyon. Havasu Creek, Bright Angel Creek, and others contributed to the vast expanse of interconnected canyons that we ...

We huddle together in the icy wind, with the canyon nearly invisible, waiting for the shuttle to pull around.

2008-06-21T07:11:12Z

elf1
We huddle together in the icy wind, with the canyon nearly invisible, waiting for the shuttle to pull around.

We sit and wait for the shuttle to leave, and it starts really snowing/hailing. Here's the ground when we first sit down...

2008-06-21T07:11:13Z

elf1
We sit and wait for the shuttle to leave, and it starts really snowing/hailing. Here's the ground when we first sit down...

And here's the ground just a few minutes later, before the shuttle pulls out. From this point, no one wanted to be outside the bus at all.

2008-06-21T07:11:14Z

elf1
And here's the ground just a few minutes later, before the shuttle pulls out. From this point, no one wanted to be outside the bus at all.

But we had to walk from the shuttle stop back to our campground. Linda hustles along.

2008-06-21T07:11:14Z

elf1
But we had to walk from the shuttle stop back to our campground. Linda hustles along.

The trail in Mather Campground looks a little different than it did earlier in teh morning.

2008-06-21T07:11:15Z

elf1
The trail in Mather Campground looks a little different than it did earlier in teh morning.

All the little spring plants had to endure weather of the "like I've never seen this late in May in the 20 years I've lived here" sort.

2008-06-21T07:11:16Z

elf1
All the little spring plants had to endure weather of the "like I've never seen this late in May in the 20 years I've lived here" sort.

Snow and grass.

2008-06-21T07:11:17Z

elf1
Snow and grass.

Maybe paintbrushes. And snow.

2008-06-21T07:11:17Z

elf1
Maybe paintbrushes. And snow.

The trail is only partly obscured by blowing snow.

2008-06-21T07:11:18Z

elf1
The trail is only partly obscured by blowing snow.

Linda made it to the campground much faster than I did but, aha! I have the car keys.

2008-06-21T07:11:18Z

elf1
Linda made it to the campground much faster than I did but, aha! I have the car keys.

Our tent looks a little different from earlier, too.

2008-06-21T07:11:19Z

elf1
Our tent looks a little different from earlier, too.

We drive to the deli, eat inside, and when we come out, it's really coming down.

2008-06-21T07:11:20Z

elf1
We drive to the deli, eat inside, and when we come out, it's really coming down.