USA 2007 trip report

[UK]

Day 5. Up early because we had a full day ahead. Over to Page to
visit a supermarket for provisions (more about that later) and to
fill up with petrol (gas to some of you). RVs gobble petrol, when I
have the time, I'll work out how many m.p.g. we got. This was the
second time on this trip we had filled up and I remember this
occasion the cost was $116.

From Page we set off for the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We
stopped along the way for the female section of our party to be
fleeced (an old yorkshire term for being relieved of your money) by
some Navajo jewellery traders at the side of the road. They had
picked a special spot for their roadside market with a jawdropping
view down towards the Navajo Bridge over the upper reaches of the
Grand Canyon.

We duly crossed the Navajo Bridge which is a special experience.
NPS Info about the history
[Editor's Note: Some RTA memories of this view...]

As we headed onwards, my mind drifted back to approx 1994 which was
the last time we had driven this road (in the opposite direction). I
vaguely remembered seeing some wierd boulders at the side of the road
and looked out for them. Sure enough just a mile or two up the road
we came across them and I pulled in to take a look. Not the most
fascinating place I've ever been, but worth a quick look around.

We pressed on and stopped for a quick lunch at Jacob Lake before
heading down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon where we had out
campsite reserved for the night. We went to the Lodge and viewing
area before going to the campsite and had a walk to look around.

The Lodge is one of the wonderful old log structures that you often
see in the western parks and it is surrounded by small log cabins you
can stay in. The area is much less busy and has a less commercial
feel to it than the South Rim does. However, despite what I have
repeatedly read, in my opinion the views of the Grand Canyon are
nowhere near as impressive as those from the South Rim. The main
North Rim area is slightly up Bright Angel Canyon and as such the
sheer massive grandeur of the Grand Canyon is not so obvious and
striking as the view from the South Rim. If you have more time (which
we did not have) I understand the view from Cape Royal is much better.

We then went to the camp site and set up the RVs. The capmp site had
no hook ups for water, electricty or sewer and so we were independant
for the evening. We prepared for a BBQ at the side of the grand
canyon (remember the provisions I mentioned earlier). We soon had a
good hot charcoal fire going and had a wonderfull evening eating,
drinking, laughing, singing.

Once the food was done we burnt wood we had purchased at the camp
store and had a real campfire and roasted marshmallows. A very
special evening indeed, no electricity, no TV, no computer games, no
pre-prepared food and the kids all enjoyed it !