Do we or don't we??

Do we or don’t we? After Yosemite we headed toward Bryce Canyon, Utah. We find ourselves late in the day at a beautiful, treed and quiet campground in Jacob Lake, 40 miles from the North Rim of Grand Canyon. We have already been to the South Rim. Maybe that was enough considering we have so much else to see.

Then I overheard a man talking about the North Rim and its beauty and non-commercialized wonder compared to the South Rim. It seems a shame to miss it when we are so close. What the heck – here we go.

We see bluebirds and many deer along the way – it is 6 o’clock in the morning – we had gained an hour and didn’t know! The clock seems to have its own mind is these parts! A spectacular drive lands us near the Visitor Centre on a picnic table by the rim of the canyon eating our breakfast cereal. The “snap, crackle, pop is not only in our bowls! A deer ambles by; we are captivated by the view of canyon and beast.

We get the goods on what to do from the Visitor Centre. Our first stop – Grand Canyon Lodge, which is built on the edge of the rim at the most breath-taking point. Large windows – I mean gi-normous- edge the grand sitting room of the lodge lobby. A dining room to the right offers tables with the same larger-than-ever-seen-before windows. We walk to lookouts, mouths gaping open with awe, and yet we have not seen the best of our day.

Several unique and unbelievable views fill our eyes as we drive the tour of the North Rim away from the lodge. We stop at the lookouts and often we are the only ones there. There are sometimes short or longer trails, and in one spot a wedding site with rustic log “pews”. I pretend to conduct a wedding but am careful not to step back – Rip jokes that that he needs me to back up 3 feet for the picture – I am not fooled! It is a bit unnerving – here in the US guardrails or edges of any kind are a rarity.

For lunch we find a stone wall with a fab view and eat the best cheese sandwiches ever tasted – sliced extra old cheddar squeezed in between 2 Breton crackers. Mighty fine! We’ll have to see if those cheese delights taste as good at home. Our “do we or don’t we” day is filled with spiritual bliss and unforgettable moments. Good choice!