Well, whoever named the canyon grand certainly had it right!  This 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep canyon takes your breath away.  A gaping hole in the ground that begins abruptly had to have been quite an eye opener for those settling the West.  Just imagine yourself walking through a pine forest and coming upon a sheer drop of such magnitude that another step would send you plummeting to your death – that is how sudden it is.  Incredible!

We spent the bulk of one day exploring the south rim.  Weather was cool, crowds were fairly light, and the views unending.  We walked about 2 miles of the rim trail and I am amazed not only by the beauty but by the foolishness of some people venturing out onto the rocks for that “perfect” selfie.  Crazy!

We had the pleasure of a mule deer walking out onto the path 20 feet in front of us without any concern for the excited tourists snapping pictures and an “eek” moment when a small tarantula also made an appearance!  We saw condors soaring high over the canyon enjoying its updrafts while down below brave hikers were navigating their way to the canyon floor.

It was an exhilarating day and I am so glad that after 60 years on this earth I finally got to see the Grand Canyon!  Definitely a place to put on your “must see” bucket list – trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Oh, by the way, hard as one tries in these places of splendor, pictures do not do it justice…