North Rim

This past weekend we all went to the North Rim of Grand Canyon. It's been a while since we've visited the more remote side! And the best time, of course, is in the early fall when the aspens and maples change colors, and it's not too cold yet. We crashed at the home of our friend Steve Bridgehouse. He lives in an historic cabin at the entrance to the park. Next time you see a bottle of Log Cabin Syrup, look closely. The cabin on the label is based on Steve's cabin!

We stopped at Navajo Bridge on the drive up. There is one bridge that you drive across, but they've retained the historic bridge directly across from it for pedestrian traffic. It has a wonderful view of the Colorado River as it begins to cut deep into the canyon walls. It's also a great place to watch river trips that are just getting started on their journey through the canyon! These pictures are from the trip to and from the canyon. We stopped at the bridge on our way home, too! A great scenic stretch break for everyone.

Daniel loved the drainage holes all along both sides of the bridge. He could look straight through to the river below. A long, long way below!

 As we approached Jacob Lake, high up on the Kaibab Plateau, the snow began. It didn't last terribly long, but it kept spitting snow the rest of of the day and that night. Saturday morning the clouds blew out and the day was crystal clear! Still a bit cool, but wonderful for sight seeing! We left Steve's and went to the Grand Canyon Lodge, down the Bright Angel Point Trail, and then had a picnic right on the rim.

 Steve's house is at about 9,000 feet, so we had a bit more snow than some areas. 

Those footprints under Daniel's tiny boots are mine! This is on Steve's front porch the first evening when we went out for a stroll. Breaking in the winter boots!

Steve was so great with Daniel! Reading books, playing cars and trucks, and dancing!

The Bright Angel Point Trail was a little exposed, but worth the walk! Daniel learned to step aside to let others pass and did pretty good about walking rather than running. Whew!

Daniel loves to look at signs! He'll be reading the words soon, rather than just numbers and letters.

Daniel enjoyed sharing his snack and water with Daddy!

We did a walk from the cabin at sunset. Can't get enough walking these days!

 Sunday was another beautiful day, so back to the canyon views we went. First stop was Point Imperial and a short walk on the Ken Patrick Trail. Then we drove over for a walk to Angel's Window and another picnic lunch on the rim. Daniel was exhausted every afternoon!

Hi Mommy!

Running beats walking any day!

Steve's cabin. The Log Cabin Syrup label cut off the kitchen on the left. The company paid for a big rehab on the cabin a number of years ago, which is why it's on the syrup label.

Nap time in the car is still a regular part of any road trip, even if it's just from the canyon rim to Steve's house!

 Thank you Steve for your wonderful hospitality, for letting us take over your home, for playing with Daniel (even in the mud room), and for all the great pictures!