Grandview and Desertview, East end GC

The Grand Canyon lies in the Kaibab National Forest.  In this area, you are constantly driving in some National Forest or another.  Grandview and Desertview lie about 25 miles East of GC and Tusayan. 

The Grandview trail was a hike that both of us were looking forward to.  It was not a mule trail and we anticipated that it would be a bit more rugged.   A few minutes into the hike I realized that I like a much wider trail...  (check the 3rd and 4th photo!  They weren't kidding when they noted on the map that some scouting might be required.)  It made me think later that I like life to be that way too.  While I like the adventure and thrill of the road less traveled, I do like a broad path and some idea of how I will reach the destination.  I was surprised to feel a fear that squelched my excitement and sense of adventure. I so disappointed about that. Maybe, deep down inside, I don't like risk as much as I say I do. I don't think it was always like that.

And so you realize that you have changed and it lingers in your mind...what are you going to do about it?

I didn't want to hike to end for my beloved and we agreed that he would continue for another half hour.  While hiking alone is not recommended, I was happy that I wasn't holding him back from something he really wanted to do. A group had gone done just before us and another one was coming down behind us.  I knew I would be quite happy taking photos back at the top of the rim.  I spotted the Watchtower at the Desertview lookout and knew we soon would be there, taking our last looks of the Grand Canyon.

This is always bitter sweet.  Over the years I've learned that I like beginnings and first glimpses much more than endings and last glances. 

The last two photos are taken from the Desert View lookout and beyond.  The colors in the landscape are amazing. That meandering river is the Colorado.  There were rafts going down the river.  This would have been a fun adventure if we had more time, but we spent more time hiking...it was a great decision!


Next stop, Page Arizona!

AND....there is a steel post in front of the Kaibab National Forest sign, so you can all be in the photo with Smokey the Bear.  Another thing off the bucket list!