THURSDAY, 9/27

THURSDAY, 9/27:

     Another beautiful day, our last here.  Our last drive in to GCNP.  We opted to spend the better part of the day up the Cape Royal Road again, this time with the intent to hike the Cape Final trail.  It’s a 4-mile round trip, with not much elevation gain.  A very nice hike through a lovely Ponderosa Pine forest.  The fresh pine fragrance was always present, but every so often, it would become more intense, and we had to just stop and enjoy inhaling it. 

     When we got to the rim, had some very nice views..  Could see as far as the Painted Desert, and into Utah.  Could point to the general location where we thought Monument Valley was.    Stayed there a while just enjoying it, and then hiked back.  This was a perfect hike to end our stay here – just enough exertion to make us feel we’d earned the prize viewpoints at the end; the temperature was perfect for hiking; above us,  mostly intense blue sky, with fluffy clouds.

 

 

 

 

     Then drove back down the road a few miles to a viewing area with picnic tables.  We brought out our sandwiches & chips and ate across from a panoramic view.

 

 

 

 

    Just took our time, as we knew this would be our last view of the Canyon.  It truly is spectacular, and every American ought to be able to visit it at least once and be grateful that we have such a sublime treasure within our borders.

      As we felt after our first visit here 3 years ago, we’re so glad we made the decision to come to the North Rim again, rather than the South.  It’s so much worth the extra effort to get here.  Far fewer crowds (I asked a couple of people who had been to the South Rim and now were at the North if it were still crowded over there.  Yes, it was.)  You can truly find solitude here if you want.  Even at the Lodge area, we never felt harried or crowded.  The much fewer amenities and buildings themselves on the North Rim also contribute to the feeling of being away from the outer world, whereas there are more lodging places, restaurants, gift shops, etc. on the South Rim than in most small/medium-sized towns!  And of course, the aspens.  Because of the higher elevation here, they are abundant.  Not so on the South Rim.  Speaking of which . . .

      On the drive back on the Cape Royal road.  I simply can’t put into words the absolute jaw-dropping splendor of the aspens coming down (as well as going up) this road.  They’re definitely at their peak – just masses and masses of them, covering hillsides and roadsides.  And when the mid-afternoon sun would hit a patch just right – well, it was pure spun gold.  I’ve never seen anything like this.  I can only imagine what a New England autumn is like, when they’re supposed to be the gold standard (no pun intended).  What I mean is, I can’t imagine any fall anywhere more glorious than what we’ve been gifted to witness here.

 

 

     Drove to the General Store again so I could finish loading Blog stuff. While waiting outside, a Kaibab squirrel entertained Bill.  This black and white species of squirrel is only found on the Kaibab Plateau.  

 

     Drove home in late afternoon light . . . another occasional glimpse that God grants us of creation’s perfection.  Bill counted 49 deer.  What a perfect way to end our stay here.

     Had leftovers, read a little, and went to bed.  Tomorrow we head for Bryce Canyon.  Should be an easy drive – less than 120 miles.