Day 7 - Grand Canyon

I made it! Waking up to a gorgeous sunrise and mild (not cold) morning, my day was off to a good start. I packed up and hit the road for the 3 hour drive to Grand Canyon, and with the time zone change, I ended up there by 9am! It was already packed. I knew that it'd be a big tourist spot, but oh my gosh the people were everywhere. That, not heights, was my biggest struggle at this spot. I got my first glimpse of the canyon immediately I thought they should call this place the "Big F***ing Canyon" because "Grand" doesn't do it justice. WOW!

Big F-ing Canyon! 

No photos can capture the magnitude of just how gorgeous and awesome the views were. I sat on the edge of the canyon in a few hidden away spots just to get away from the crowds... of course, when people see a person sitting on the edge of a canyon, they wander over to check out the view (as if there are no other view points). That happened a few times, so I gathered my stuff and moved on each time. 

Just sitting on the edge enjoying the view!

Notice I did back a few feet away from the edge for this...

I couldn't believe how not fearful I was as I approached the edge time and again for another view... until I had someone take my picture sitting farther out on an open ledge (not surrounded by trees like many others). That was a bit frightening! Aside from that, I did my goofy attempt at yoga pose photos, climbed on a tree, and enjoyed the view from as many points as  possible! It was incredibly windy, which was a bit unsettling when standing close to the edge.

Quiet spot, until other tourists found me.

Hanging on a tree atop a canyon...no biggie.

Because I got there so early and was able to walk the rim and see all I wanted, including a drive through Grand Canyon Village, by early afternoon, I decided to forego camping the night there. The forecast also called for freezing temperatures in addition to the wind, and I already learned that I don't thrive in that! I hit the road with no phone signal, just a good old fashioned map... and I ended up only half an hour outside Vegas by the Hoover Dam! I also got to drive into a gorgeous sunset over the mountains that spread out as far as the eye could see. I honestly didn't realize northern Arizona and southern Nevada had SO MANY mountains... and frightening mountain roads. 

I can't believe I stood out on the top of the ledge on the right of this photo