A Grand Adventure

Pardon the title but it was a pun. None of these photos will make even a small impression, I don’t think they make a big enough camera lens to capture the Grand Canyon, you have to see it!

We made our Grand entrance on the east side of the Canyon and our destination was Trailer Village. I think we felt pretty lucky to be able to spend 3 full days in the park but lucky is just not a Grand enough word for it.

Trailer Village is an RV only campground In Grand Canyon Park. I think this is the first time I have seen this app n our travels to date. Of course there are many other camping opportunities in the park and it is nice to see that they have accommodated everyone.

Now I have traveled very extensively around the US but I had never visited the Grand Canyon. I guess I must have thought it was for honeymooners and diehard tourists. Now I will not say I was wrong as about 80% of the people we encountered were not from the US, and we did not meet any newlyweds but that does not mean they were not there. However if you live in the US and you have not seen it I employee you to go.

It is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The land scape is endless and if it were not for man made structures it would be one of the most perfect natural settings in the world.

Before the go off on a wild tangent I’ll get back on track. Into Trailer Village we pulled and found our spot quite easily. I tried to take out a tree with the camper as usual so nothing new here.

We had come to see the Canyon so we unloaded the bikes and headed for the South rim visitors center.

The Greenway bike paths can take you just about anywhere in the park. This again is a refreshing change from other National parks we have visited and makes for many opportunities for seeing things and going places both faster than walking and less crowded than the busses, though the bus service does come in handy for reaching certain areas in the rim.

While unloading the bikes we noticed some of the Trailer Village residents having lunch or just resting in the shade.

Of course the kids first up close view of the Canyon was a good one. A short visit to the south rim and then back to exploring our neighborhood we went. The park has full service restaurants, grocery store, post office and clinic.

All of these things were a 5-10 min walk from our campsite. You would think it would be hard to get lost with all these things in such close proximity to our temporary home, well it’s not that hard and I can show you how if you would like. I just blamed it on the park maps not being accurate!

We had dinner out at one of the lodges and then settled into our campsite for the evening.

The next day, our first full day, we ventured out via bus to The Grand Canyon Railway Station, the Village and Hermits Rest.

The station still serves as a passenger train between Williams Arizona and the Grand Canyon.

The village consists of shops, a hotel and art galleries.

The kids got their first of three Grand Canyon Stamps at the Kobi Gallery here in town (there are 7 in all).

The views on our way back from Hermits Rest were beautiful, so we decided to walk a section back! On this walk we finally got to view the Colorado River cutting through the Canyon. There were even rafting groups who came through while we watched!

This night, we relaxed at the camper after a home cooked meal and some games of Uno, and then took out the telescope to see the stars!

We decided to go back out to the Village on the second full day so that Addy could check out a few shops she wanted to get souvenirs from. This time we used peddle power and rode the bikes out. It was such a scenic ride, and we pretty much beat the bus times.

When we returned to the camper, we decided to go for a bike ride out to Yaki point where there is a mule trail. We also caught the sunset over the canyon!

On the final full day in the park, we got up early to watch the sunrise over the canyon!

It was a nice brisk walk at 5:30am, and the views did not disappoint.

Even Andie got to go on this walk!

After we got back to the camper, and grabbed a bite to eat, we loaded up in the car to go check out the Pueblo Ruins and the Desert Watchtower.

The view from the watchtower are amazing!

Including this guy who patiently waited for us after we went up a second time.

This visit was magical, and the best part was hanging out as a family with Poppi who followed us from Utah!

He made a buddy while sitting outside after our ventures on the last day!

The next morning we closed up shop, said our goodbyes (as Poppi was headed home), and pulled out of Trailer Village. We so hope to go back someday, so we can say hello again to our newest friends and explore more of the canyon!