October 17 Sunrise, sunset...
Today we took on the magic of the Canyon in strong lighting. We were on the rim at Yavapai Observation Station shortly after 6 AM to watch the first rays of light illuminate the edge of the rim and the tops of the formations that fill the canyon. Definitely worth the early rising.
After a hearty breakfast, we rode our bikes out to Yaki Point for a lecture on raptors in the park. Its on the flyway for many raptor species and so banding and counting are done at two locations on the rim. Like butterflies, they migrate up to 9000 miles. All the routes south converge in Florida before crossing the Gulf and heading into south America. Particularly amazing is that the immature birds leave first and have only instinct to get them there!
Again in search of strong light and shadows, we headed to the rim near El Tovar hotel about 5 pm to watch the sunset. One group of observers popped a cork on champagne (why didn’t I think of that!). We stopped into the El Tovar bar for a drink before heading back to our campsite. The last ingredients in the fridge provided grilled rosemary game hens, broccoli, and a huge salad.
Although we still have pleasures ahead of us before returning home on the 21st, packing up the camper for the last time, knowing we won’t be in it again for at least another 9 months was a bit sad. We are discussing how much longer the next trip should be…..
After a hearty breakfast, we rode our bikes out to Yaki Point for a lecture on raptors in the park. Its on the flyway for many raptor species and so banding and counting are done at two locations on the rim. Like butterflies, they migrate up to 9000 miles. All the routes south converge in Florida before crossing the Gulf and heading into south America. Particularly amazing is that the immature birds leave first and have only instinct to get them there!
Again in search of strong light and shadows, we headed to the rim near El Tovar hotel about 5 pm to watch the sunset. One group of observers popped a cork on champagne (why didn’t I think of that!). We stopped into the El Tovar bar for a drink before heading back to our campsite. The last ingredients in the fridge provided grilled rosemary game hens, broccoli, and a huge salad.
Although we still have pleasures ahead of us before returning home on the 21st, packing up the camper for the last time, knowing we won’t be in it again for at least another 9 months was a bit sad. We are discussing how much longer the next trip should be…..
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