Week 16 Grand Canyon - Prison Visit 2 with Stepmom

 Though it makes my list of 'firsts', I have been to the Grand Canyon before. I include it because I haven't ever visited it all on my own nor have I stayed on the canyon rim overnight before! Both were highlights of my year so far!  There is something so spiritually rejuvenating about the place.  Mind boggling to think of its age (far older than the dinosaurs) with people inhabiting it for 3000-4000yrs!

After 3 hours in the medical walk in clinic in Flagstaff, AZ (I had Pink Eye and Bronchitis), I found my way to the Grand Canyon. It was about a 2 hr drive from there.  Even the drive was extraordinarily beautiful! I checked into my cabin at the rim and had a look around. It was early evening so I got to see the sun set. It was a bit cloudy and snow forecast.  

 

Snow at the canyon is interesting. They dont salt and barely throw down dirt to help with slippage.  It had snowed that night but by about 10 the next day it was near 50F and all melted.

 I drove my car to the furthest point of the trail open to the public, then hiked back.  Later I took the shuttle back to my car. Guessing I did between 5-10 miles. I was concerned about my knees but they have the rim trails paved so it was easy walking most of the way.  One morning I woke at 5am and went out to look at the stars. It was magical.  So little light that the sky appeared clouded with stars!  Breathtaking.

 A herd of Elk were just lounging around the grounds the entire trip.  Once I had stopped the car to catch a glimpse of a male across the road from me and while I was busy looking at him, a female decided to cross directly in front of my car! lol

Friday I got my Stepmom from the airport and we visited with my brother the next day. It was traumatic for her to see her son in that situation but it was still really nice for them to spend time.  Living right in an alley between 2 of the prison buildings was a group of homeless people. Guessing about 7-10 of them. One morning we brought breakfast for them.  I should have done it more than once but I kept wondering about safety.  In the end I felt great for getting them a hot breakfast on that chili day.  Next time I will do more.

When we weren't visiting my brother, we went to the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, a place called Hole in the Rock archaeological site and Old Scottsdale.  Shout out to Frankie and Lupe's restaurant.  They had wonderful Mexican food and a pobleno cream sauce to die for!  Really great trip. I love Arizona! #Grandcanyonsnow #frankieandlupes #holeintherock