When you're 13 1/2, long walks require a break once in awhile
Sami's RoadSoon after we arrived I discovered this dirt road that starts about 100 feet away from the motor home. This has now become "Sami's Road", and she is quickly learning all of the smells along it's path. I don't understand how, or why a dog's nose is connected to their ability to take care of business, but their definitely is some sort of link between the two. In fact, if the right odors are not present, often the walks sometimes seem to take forever. I suspect most of the dog owners know what I'm talking about.
These last pictures are an example of some of the flora and fauna along "Sami's Road". This high desert environment, at 7,000 feet above sea level, has some unusual plants and vegetation. The South Rim is relatively dry in terms of lakes, streams, or springs, and the water table is so far down, that it's impractical to drill any type of well. For many years, all of the water consumed at the South Rim was hauled in by the railroad in tank cars. Conversely, the North Rim of the canyon at approx. 8,000 feet, has an abundance of water. At some point quite a few years ago, a water pipeline was constructed, that runs from the North Rim down into the canyon near Phantom Ranch, and loosely follows the Bright Angel Trail up to the South Rim. We have never been to the North Rim, but I'm told that even though it's only about 13 miles as the Condor flies, the environment is totally different. 
On another subject, Patty had a recent conversation with one of the helicopter pilots, and he told her that there was a "locals" program where we could fly for free, or for almost free. Since that's on our list of things to do, that was good news, and something that we'll be taking advantage off.
If you have the opportunity to take a LONG drive over to the North Rim...DO IT! Such a difference!
ReplyDeleteWe worked the North Rim our first year out full-timing, over 6 years ago. They say that only a small percentage of all the visitors go to the NR. It's isolated, only one road in and the first stop would be Jacob's Lake...then 23 miles later your second stop is Kaibab Lodge (where we worked), a gas station and a campground...18 miles later, your third stop would be the entrance to the North Rim. Up there you will be able to check out the huge Lodge with many amenities and the greatest, most spectacular views of the Canyon.
It is about a 6 hour drive from the South Rim since you have to go around...unless you feel you can jump it, then you would be there in no time at all.