The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and over a mile deep. All of these pictures were taken from the South Rim.
The Canyon was carved by the Colorado River and geologists estimate it began some 17 million years ago.
Other than the Native Americans who lived in and around the Canyon, the first outsider to view its splendor was a Spaniard named García López de Cárdenas in 1540.
In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Grand Canyon Game Preserve. In 1908, he redesignated the preserve as a U.S. National Monument. On February 26, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson established Grand Canyon National Park as the 17th U.S. National Park.
There are approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park.
The day we visited, the weather was simply beautiful. In the 70s, not too hot, not too cold, a little breeze, sunshine. Gorgeous!
The Granddaughter mentioned that all of her friends -- every single one of them -- had said to her, "Don't fall in." She was not amused and she kept thinking and talking about it.
Then just as we drove out, we pulled over for an ambulance racing into the Park. The Granddaughter said, "Someone jumped in. I just know it." And when we watched the news that night, it turns out she was right. Apparently, a man who was panhandling was approached by Park Rangers and jumped over the edge to avoid them. He fell 25 feet, was rescued, then arrested. He was wanted in Texas for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. Yikes!
Also in an area thick with pine trees on the road out of the Canyon, we spotted this ...
beautiful Mule Deer. There were quite a few people taking pictures and he didn't seem the least bit afraid.
Last but not least, it was Miles' 5th birthday that day as well. He and Louie went along for the ride. How many dogs do you know get a birthday party at the Grand Canyon? It was a very good day!
All facts and information taken from Wikipedia.
11 comments:
OH Ice Cream!! What a great ending to a beautiful day!
What a fabulous trip!!!! Educational and adventurous! Sounds like everyone had a great time (including the puppies).
Happy Birthday Miles...you don't look a day over 4.
someday...when I get further west than Ohio, I will see the Grand Canyon.
I have only been to the Grand Canyon when I was younger. Like 11 years old younger. I need to get my husband down there. He would so love it.
What gorgeous country it is out there! So weird that she predicted someone had fallen in!
Those pictures are GORGEOUS!!!
Wow! That was a great post! I have much to learn. I loved the Texas guy part! Haha:)!
I was blessed to be able to go to the Grand Canyon with my dad. He moved to California the day after I graduated. We made the drive together and what wonderful memories I have! This is definitely at the top of them! Awe inspiring is the Grand Canyon for sure!
I can't believe that man jumped! Then to find out he was wanted for murder...YIKES is right!
You have given your grandaughter such a gift and no doubt she will cherish these memories all her life! So glad you had such good weather as well!!
Happy Birthday to your sweet Miles...oh wait...the little bastard ;) He got a party and ICE CREAM!! He isn't spoiled AT ALL is he ??? LOLOLOL
Love the ice cream shot! You pictures are beautiful. What a great day you had. That is some story about that panhandler. Glad you didn't meet him!
Man, were you ever full of news and trivia this day! The dude jumping really caught me by surprise, and then you told what he did. Yikes is right!
That photo of Miles is so cute! Too bad they can't speak English. I'd sure love to hear what he has to say about that cold but delicious stuff!
Oh, and your photography is making me long for warmer weather...
I've never been, but I've always wanted to. The picture are absolutely stunning!! Next time, you should take me so I can get some ice cream too. ;)
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