Sunrise at Grand Canyon, AZ ~ North Rim

We were up really early today to catch the sunrise along the Angel Bright path.  It is just an incredible experience to be there at sunrise. There are really no good words to accurately describe what you are seeing and photographs just don't show all of the dimensions and nuances of the landscape. I only wish we had more time to spend here but we are off to the South Rim via the East Rim.

House Wren

Red-backed Junco

Continuing North to the Grand Canyon, AZ

There are so many places to stop along the road to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon because the scenery is just so awesome.  Driving in we saw the "quaking aspens" which are almost totally into there yellow fall foliage. The first views of the canyon just spectacular.  We are staying overnight in cabins inside the Grand Canyon.  There are the coolest squirrels running around that black with a white tail.

Kaibab Squirrel

Heading North

This morning we traveled north towards the Grand Canyon.  We left early so we could stop along the way to see whatever took our fancy.  I have never visited this area of AZ though my traveling companions have visited here.  The landscapes are just so incredible and equally difficult to describe. We took the loop road which is 35 miles around Sunset Crater and back out onto the highway.   Along the loop road are some ruins.  First stop were the ruins Wukoki Pubelo. Second stop ruins Nalakihu Pubelo,  Along the loop I also had my first of many views of the Painted Desert.

Wukoki

Nalakihu

AZ ~ North of Flagstaff

Our plans for the next 2 weeks are to travel the highways and byways of AZ.  Our first stop is north of Flagstaff so our trip tomorrow to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon isn't quite so long. We are staying in an off grid Air B&B.  To get here we had to drive in past the Sunset Crater Volcano
National Monument and the drive another 10 miles along dirt roads.  Good thing we arrived during the daylight or we would have never found it.

Sunset over Palm Desert, CA

I hate for this vacation with my friends to come to an end because it's been so much fun.  I know though that they'll be other vacations with them.  Tomorrow I get to start another vacation with my sister, Jenny and her hubby, Al.  We'll be touring AZ for the next 2 weeks.

Palm Desert, CA

The surprise for today was seeing this Belted Kingfisher and a Foster's Tern fishing in the pond in front of the clubhouse.  There were 2 Savannah Sparrow on the greens and an immature Vermilion Flycatcher.  The first three birds are new birds for this location.

Belted Kingfisher

Vermilion Flycatcher

Savannah Sparrow

Palm Desert, CA

I really love these morning walks,  The solitude is wonderful and getting to walk around and just focus on God's creations and the glory of nature rejuvenates my soul. I enjoy listening to my thoughts and taking pictures in the warm sunshine.  In the afternoons I enjoy spending time with the family relaxing at the pool.

White-faced Ibis

American Coot

Pied-billed Grebe