The Schooler's

Strap yourselves in readers for Post 3 from … the Grand Canyon.  To quote from one of our favorite songs, “Indescribable, unbelievable, You hung the stars in the sky and you know them by name…You are amazing God.”   We arrived just before dusk, so Christy, Rebecca and Luke were able to enjoy their first views of the Canyon with great light.  It’s amazing that almost whichever view point you are standing, people generally are quiet as they take in the massive scale of the canyon.  That was very true for our family … even Little Buddy was at a loss for words, and even more unusual – he was very still.  That was pretty much it for Day 1 – canyon views and getting camp set up. 

We took it pretty easy on Day 2, and made good use of the shuttle system.  After getting Rebecca started on the Junior Ranger Program, we rode over to Bright Angel Lodge to do some more sightseeing.  We picked up a national park guide, and Rebecca is thrilled at visiting more parks and getting more stamps for the book.  We all enjoyed some ice cream and the canyon views before heading over to Bright Angel trail head. 

The sight of that narrow trail and no rails ensured Luke and I would not be doing any trails down into the Canyon.  Luke seems to handle the backpack for about 1-1.5 hours and then he hits meltdown.  So, that combined with not having a leash to keep him on the trails, left the two of us trekking through the rim trails.  Hauling around 50 lbs. on my back and taking in the views is enjoyable – that and I still remember how much my body hurt after a few days hiking the canyon on the last trip here.

The Junior Ranger Program provides a few different avenues for each candidate.  One path combined attending a Ranger Program along with completing educational pages in the guide.  Christy and Rebecca looked through the program options and decided to attend three programs.  First, was the Geo-Glimpse, which is a 20-minute discussion on the geology exhibits at Yavapai Observation Station.  Second, the Nature Walk, which is a 45 minute discussion/walk to learn about the complex and diverse nature along the canyon rim.  Third, the Cedar Ridge Hike – a 3 mile round trip hike, with a descent of 1,140 feet on the South Kaibab Trail – they saved that one for Day 3.

Day 3 started E-A-R-L-Y.  Even if we had made it to the alarms set for 5:30, or the aroma of the coffee set on timer (I love technology), it would have been early on vacation, but Little Buddy woke with a fright around 4AM screaming for Mama.  I imagine he woke up all our neighbors just like someone’s car alarm at 3AM the night before – funny.  Christy came down from the girls bunk and calmed him down.  Sometime shortly thereafter, Rebecca decided to crawl in and join us.  So to answer the question, can we all possibly fit on the one bed – yes.  Is it entirely comfortable – no.  Then again, these are the moments we’ll remember and laugh about in the coming years.

With Christy and Rebecca off for the hike, Luke and I tackled some RV chores.  Laundry – check.  Trash – check.  Dishes – check.  Clean/Organize – check.  Feeling squared away, we hit the trail for an hour hike from Bright Angel Lodge to Yavapai Observation and then on to the Market to meet the ladies for lunch.  He sacked out after the first half hour – which made for lots of smiles and comments on the trail.

More observations from our trek in the RV

1.       Neighbors at RV parks are for the most part all very friendly and come from all walks of life.  Some are retired, some like us are just on a trip with a rental and others are committed to the lifestyle for family vacations.  It is easy to distinguish each group.

2.       The type of RV you roll in says a lot – you may have a “toy hauler” to bring the Hog or ATV.  The fifth wheel, and bumper pool (both rigid and pop-up) allow you to drive your own vehicle.  Of course that means the kids are piled into the car with much less space, but you do get to drive around easier when you’ve reached a destination.  Or you may go all in, and roll with a sweet bus, towing some type of car to use when you’re parked.

3.       Laundry rooms vary – the one at the Canyon is big – paying to do laundry is weak.

4.       No wifi at the Trailer Village RV park at the Canyon – a bummer for video chatting with family when you’re all wired up.

5.       It’s pretty funny to hit the “Test Levels” button and check on the status of fresh water, grey water, black water, liquid propane, and battery – clearly it’s good to keep the grey and black low.

6.       Spending extended time with a family of four in a 24 foot RV really makes you appreciate space and the importance of continuous clean up.

7.       On the flip side, spending extended time with a family of four in a 24 foot RV – creates lasting family memories!

8.       We've driven 1500 miles or so in the RV and it's holding up pretty good.

9.       We've eaten out 3 times in the past week - Christy's meal planning rocks

10.     A few of us are way overpacked for this trip ...