Jacqueline’s Jaunts

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

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

05-03-23 Needles to Grand Canyon South Entrance, AZ (232 miles, 5+ hours)

"Not westward, but eastward seek the coming of the light." (Dakota Proverb)1

Windy and cool this morning, but off we went. We normally would not drive as long as we did but wanted four days at Grand Canyon. We all needed gas, so we stopped at a Pilot. The pump we chose was VERY slow and irritating. Of course, it would be us with the slow pump...so annoying. Last in the caravan again.

Back on the road again via Interstate 40 (parallels Route 66) and the worst road we have ever traveled. Do not take this road if you can. Uneven, giant potholes, missing sections, and ruts. Just an awful road. We rattled for miles on end. Plus, the crosswinds were blowing out of control. Tough drive with all that and the Big Rigs passing by. The vibrations broke a piece of trim off the TV cabinet above us and landed in Barry’s lap.

We stopped in Williams for gas at a Maverick station. It was so easy to get in and out of. Once we hit Highway 64, the road was somewhat better. Still potholes and rough, but at least we had a tailwind.

We used our Senior Pass through the Grand Canyon gates and followed the map to our campground. Busy check-in at the campground. We pulled into our site, J65, full hook-up. Barry set up the BBQ and cooked bratwurst and Brussels sprouts for dinner...yummy.

Group meeting after dinner to plan out the next four days. There is much to see in South Rim, and we wanted to make each day count. Everyone was wiped out from the drive, and our bed felt amazing.

1 Zona, Guy A, The Soul Would Have No Rainbow If The Eyes Had No Tears (New York: Touchstone, 1994), p.47.

Friday, May 12, 2023

05-02-23 Bakersfield to Needles, California 5+ hours

"A good man does not take what belongs to someone else." (Pueblo Proverb)1

We stopped to get gas in Tehachapi, and I left my phone in the bathroom. I went back to check, and it was gone... Damn'it!!!! Asked everyone in the place if anyone had turned it in, and of course not. So we told the rest of the group to go ahead and we will catch up. Used the MyFind app to turn it off. Called T-Mobile to suspend my account. I reset important passwords just in case. I felt devastated. We took off and talked about whether to replace it or not. I was not a happy camper.

The drive was harrowing. Over San Bernadino mountains, Bristol mountains (2700 ft.), down through Mojave National Monument, over and down the Sacramento Mountains into Needles. We experienced cross winds most of the drive, which made it hard to drive straight.

I called ahead and found a T-Mobile store in Bullhead City. Once we hooked up, we drove to Bullhead City, passing through California, Arizona, California then again into Arizona, about a 30-minute drive. The rest of our group went for Mexican food. It still was daylight. We passed a resort and a huge casino. Found the store, and took about 2 hours to get everything settled. No dinner for us. By the time we returned, it was 9:00 PM.

We had a light snack. K&J came over to console us, but it did not make me feel better. They said the Mexican food was just OK, and we did not miss anything. Today was a hard lesson for me, and I did not sleep well.

And yes, there is nothing in Needles, California!

[1] Zona, Guy A, The Soul Would Have No Rainbow If The Eyes Had No Tears (New York: Touchstone, 1994), p.23.

05-01-23 From Home to Bakersfield, California

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave" (Dakota Proverb)1.

Departure day. Set up plants, hooked up the jeep to the RV, put bikes on the Jeep bike rack, and off we went. We left around 10:30 AM, about a half-hour behind. Hit some light rain going over Altamont.

The five-hour drive to Bakersfield was easy. We hit a detour to the RV park but made it. Great spot, all three of us together. Now that we are all together, tequila shots to kick off the trip. My proposal for our journey that we all adopted is, "Whoever gets to the next site first hosts tequila shots!"

Barry, Ken, and Roma went to check out the Camping World right around the corner. Barry bought me a little gift, a tiny collapsible bowl. I love bowls, so it was perfect.

Roma gave us our "Destination Is All" t-shirts and sweatshirts. We created a logo, and Roma arranged to have them printed. They came out beautiful.

Jan fed us all lasagna for dinner, and it was tasty. Great catching up with everyone.

[1] Zona, Guy A, The Soul Would Have No Rainbow If The Eyes Had No Tears (New York: Touchstone, 1994), p.29.