Jacqueline’s Jaunts: Ken

Showing posts with label Ken. Show all posts

Sunday, June 4, 2023

05-05-23 Grand Canyon South Rim (Day 2) 27°/62° Windy

Beginning of Kaibab Trail

Jeeps-7

“There are many paths to a meaningful sense of the natural world.” (Blackfoot Proverb)

We left for the visitor center around 10:00 AM. The main goal was to get our Passport cancellation stamps and stickers. We also bought sammies for our hike down Kaibab Trail. It is a steep downward hike with three levels .9 miles to Ooh Aah Point, .6 miles to Cedar Ridge, and 1.5 miles to Skeleton Point...then another four miles to the Colorado River. We only went to Ooh Aah Point., well...almost. The rest of the group went to Cedar Ridge. This was a challenging hike, serious stuff at 7,000 feet.

This is what the trail looks like
from the top

I was worried about how far I would make it, but I would do my best. Unfortunately, my damn hips were giving me problems again. We almost made it to Ooh Aah, but it was starting to get warm, and I do not hike well when it is warm. I also had to use my inhaler, and it helped. The walk back up was uphill with switchbacks, and lots of people, so we took it slow and steady. Finally, we made it back up, and my hips were on fire, and Barry’s knee hurt a bit, BUT we did it.

We ate lunch outside the gift shop and were entertained by the marmots. I have never seen one, and they look like a giant squirrel. One would circle me and try to steal lettuce from my sandwich—bold little guys. One almost got on Barry’s lap. We did not feed them, but they sure are cute when begging.

Sculpture outside the Gift Shop

Close up

On the trail

Once we finished our lunch, we walked to the gift shop, bought T-shirts, stickers, and got my Passport cancellation stamps. We then walked to Mather Point. It is about a quarter of a mile from the visitor center and FLAT! This point has some beautiful views, and we took lots of photos. We had a great time at our own pace. Finally, around 2:30 PM, we made it back to the RV. It gave us time to relax, shower and get ready for dinner. We had dinner reservations at the El Tovar Hotel with Roma and Dennis. The Reynolds decided to have dinner at their RV.

Dennis and Roma piled into our Jeep, and off we went. All four of us looked forward to dinner. We could not find parking, so we drove to the train station and parked. We had to walk up a bunch of stairs...AGAIN, and over to the hotel. The décor was so cool. The inside of the restaurant looked like an old log cabin. Our reservation was at 5:30 PM, and the place was already packed. Roma and I ordered Prickly Pear Margaritas. Neither of us had one before. I can see that this will become a favorite in the future. We all loved our meals and tasted each other’s. I had shrimp and scallops, Barry ate Lamp Shanks, Roma ordered Duck, and Dennis had the special ground veal with pasta. We also ordered dessert; Roma and Dennis had Crème Brule, Barry had an Apple Crisp, and I had the Flourless Chocolate Cake with a raspberry sauce. YUMMY!

All cleaned up for dinner.

Prawns and Scallops

Lamb Shank

Part of the dining room decor

After dinner, we went into the gift shop, took care of our Passport cancellations, and bought stickers for our passport books. Then, we walked behind the Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges to view the Grand Canyon again. It was cloudy, so unfortunately, we couldn’t see the sunset. Once back to our RV, I changed into PJs and relaxed for the night. Early rising again tomorrow.

View from the El Tovar Hotel

One of the Kaibab Trail switchbacks

Look for the "You are here" on the right side.
Beginning of Kaibab trail.

Mather Point

Unbelievable

After dinner view

Dennis enjoyed the sunset after dinner.

More sunset

Always enjoy sunset photos

1. Zona, Guy A, The Soul Would Have No Rainbow If The Eyes Had No Tears (New York: Touchstone, 1994), p.116.

Thursday, June 1, 2023

05-04-23 Grand Canyon South Rim (Day 1) 28°/60° Windy

When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us. (Arapaho Proverb)1

Jeeps 5

Today was biking day to Hermits Rest, seven plus miles. This was a significant challenge for Barry and me. The rest of the group have electric bikes, and we have standard bikes, so staying together was doomed from the start. Barry and I took the shuttle to the first stop so we did not have to ride up a steep hill. The rest of the group waited for us there. Each stop along the way had magnificent views of the canyon. I found myself standing at the edge in awe of the views. I can see how this is one of the world's seven wonders. Can you name all seven?

The original plan was to stop at each site, but that did not last long as the rest of the group blew up the hill. I had a difficult time and needed to walk some of it.

We did make it to the top of Hermits Rest behind the electric bike group. I could not believe we made it. Most people passing us had electric bikes. We checked out the gift shop and got our passport stamps. I have never worked so hard for a passport stamp before. We ate lunch, and what a magnificent place to do so.

We started back, but it was uphill, leaving Hermits Rest, and I had to walk. Once it began to go uphill again, there was no way I could make it. We turned around and waited for the bus at the first stop...good decision. I was exhausted and happy we at least made it to the top.

Once down at the bottom, we peddled to the Jeep, loaded the bikes, and headed to the grocery store for a few items. Bought a Christmas ornament, a T-shirt, and a few groceries. Back to the RV, and everyone was on their own for dinner. Our bed felt especially inviting tonight.

1Zona, Guy A, The Soul Would Have No Rainbow If The Eyes Had No Tears (New York: Touchstone, 1994), p.22

Sunday, April 2, 2023

2023-03-30 Thursday Pismo Beach Oceano Campground

We decided to visit the Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove, and the Reynolds went to Morro Bay. The grove is only about 5 minutes from our campsite. Monarch Butterflies hang (no pun intended) in this area from October to February. We saw a few small ones at the tops of trees, but they were too far away for a photo.

Our walk from Monarch Grove to
the dunes and back

We followed a fast-flowing creek from the grove to the dunes and the ocean. We are still amazed at how much the storms have damaged the beach. Nevertheless, it was a nice, quiet walk while listening to the ocean. Pismo is still a beautiful beach; hopefully, we will visit again.

Next, we decided to drive through some of the neighborhoods around Pismo. We went on the other side of the freeway and drove up into the hills—huge expensive homes with fantastic views. On the way back, we drove through older neighborhoods on the other side of Amtrak's train tracks: some nicely redone homes and some not. Finally, we took W Grand Ave. down to the beach so we could drive the beach, then up Pier Avenue, and back to camp—nothing like driving on the beach.

Oceano Campground to Monarch Grove
and back via the beach

The tide was way out today, and we watched a few kite surfers. The weather was beautiful and very clear.

We had leftover Pizza as a snack and hung out at camp. Barry pulled out the awning so it could dry. The weather report says no rain for the next week, so much for our timing. We ate early; dinner was steak and broccoli for Osos and a halibut fillet for me. After dinner, we climbed into J & K’s jeep and were off to downtown SLO.

We hooked up with Reynold’s friends again, Chris and Liza, at the Farmers Market in downtown SLO. The market is every Thursday except for the rain. We have never experienced a Farmer's Market this large. It went on forever. What a great event. All kinds of vendors, fresh produce, kettle corn, corn on the cob, caramel corn, candles, cookies, edible cookie dough, oils, soaps, peanut butter, and more. All the vegetable colors were so bright. Just unbelievable.

One of the best was F. McLintock Saloon & Dining. They had large BBQs grills outside with beef, chicken, kabobs, and veggies. Just the smell alone enveloped your entire body. The other best food stand was another brewery (I forgot the name) with half-cut cheese wheels under ceramic heat lamps. It melted the top layer of cheese and then was scraped onto a meat sandwich or baked potato. What an incredible idea. We should have eaten dinner here. I was so fascinated that I posted a short video below. We will be back from the end of June to the middle of July and not planning on eating on Thursday nights. Instead, we will head to the Farmers Market in SLO.

Cheese under a ceramic lamp. Doesn't it look amazing!

F. McLintock boys horsing around.

We were home by 8:00 PM and picked up a little since we were leaving in a few days. Tomorrow I will get to fly my new kite. I can’t wait. I am hoping for kite-flying dreams.

On a non-trip related item, we received a text today from Elton, our nephew, with his graduation information from UC Hastings Law school. I'm so upset because we thought his graduation was in June, so we planned our Utah trip in May. I even tried to see if there was an airport nearby so I could fly to San Francisco to attend. We are so proud of him and can't believe it has already been 3 years since he started.