Memories of The Grand Canyon

Of all the parks, Grand Canyon has been so meaningful to us. I’d been there as a child; we never camped there but had stopped on our way to and from family reunions in Oklahoma.

When our boys were young we stopped at the Canyon when driving to Oklahoma. My parents met us there and camped with us. We were also there on one of our youngest son’s birthdays and ate dinner at the El Tovar. We really liked the El Tovar for breakfast, pancakes were cheap and the view of the canyon so inspiring. The boys would order hot chocolate and the waiters would refer to them as “the young gentleman” as they served the kids using silver pitchers.

One year we hiked with our boys down the Kaibab trail, spent the night at Phantom Ranch, hiked up the Bright Angel to Indian Gardens and then out the following day. Boys would hike ahead then be yelling at us “what took you so long?” We’d stop together and enjoy a view or an interesting formation. What a great way to spend family time.

In the late 80’s our farm was going downhill fast. Dale was always worried about keeping the farm afloat, creditors were calling and crop prices dropping faster than a lead ball.

We went on a trip to the Grand Canyon for several days. The first day we walked and talked, not paying much attention to the park. By the 2^nd day we were actually looking at the park, appreciating the Grand Canyon for its beauty. By the time we returned home Dale was more relaxed and actually smiling, something he hadn’t done in some time. The timelessness of the Canyon made us remember again how insignificant that our problems were in the grand scheme of things.

A few  years ago we hiked across the Grand Canyon with some friends. We carried some Dom Perignon and several bottles of red wine in our backpacks. Our friends brought the glass wine glasses. We also carried some fresh food for the 1^st 2 nights. Our packs were so heavy but the food was so good and in an environment so cleansing!!!! What a way to backpack.

Now we have taken our grandkids to the North Rim. Continuing the circle.