| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| sleepless reader |
Posted - Jun 04 2008 : 4:54:07 PM
I just returned from a week-end trip to the Grand Canyon. I went with my college room-mate who had never been there. It was my second trip, though the first time we had snow (November)! If you haven't been, GO! Worst times are June-August when it's hot and very crowded.Hope you are all planning great things for your summer!
Sharon
Farmgirl Sister #74
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Sep 15 2008 : 7:41:56 PM
karin, i went to the north rim in the early 70s during the winter. the roads were open bu tthey were using huge snowblowers to keep them that way! the snow was over the top on the 101inch whip antennas that i ahd on the side of my truck cab! in the winter its so nice because there are so few people during that tine. the first time i went was to the south rim and the first sight of it literally took my breath away! i couldnt even speak for about 5 minutes! i wanted to go down to the bottom on the donkeys but found that even back then you had to reserve them years in advance!
peace connie in alaska |
| YiberryYadeeKarin |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 1:24:16 PM
"My vote is for the North Rim over the South Rim. It's not as crowded, not so touristy" (quote by luvnlife)
I lived and worked at the South Rim in the spring of 1983 -- sort of a "park ranger in training". I believe that the North Rim is higher in elevation, so there is a lot more snow (and thus the forests). Access to the North Rim is also more difficult because it's so much more remote. So it gets lots fewer visitors than the South Rim which can get SO crowded and crazy!!!
Does anybody know -- is the road to the North Rim still closed in the winter? It seems to me it used to be, although the last time I was there was in 1979.
Karin |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 10:02:52 AM
I acutally love the fact that the canyon is so vast and so wild that man cannot tame it with fences and souvenir stores and minute markets. It is neat to know that your safety is in your own hands, and you have to aware and careful, that the government is not going to have so many safeguards in place that it ruins the experience. The Grand Canyon is probably the most majestic place I have ever seen. Love it!
Oh, and to answer a question asked of me by lisamarie on the first part of this thread, yes, my friend can go over large bridges if someone else is driving. That does not bother her.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| luvnlife |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 09:55:25 AM
I've been to both rims several times, with the North Rim being my favorite. The paths near the lodges and visitor's centers are paved and very wide, flat and safe. One can get a really good feel for the canyon's immenseness and grandeur from any of the designated look outs. If one really wanted to or if one didn't keep a close watch on young children, one could go over the edge. Usually, it's not a straight drop off, it tapers downwards. Please don't let the height of it scare you off from experiencing it. (I hate heights too!) My vote is for the North Rim over the South Rim. It's not as crowded, not so touristy and you can drive your own vehicles to all the sights. Lodging is limited though so prior arrangements should be made. Camping is also available. One year my family stayed several days. And you can camp for free just outside the park boundaries, just as long as you're off the roadway. I think they require a minimum of 100' off the roadways. It's one of God's greatest wonders and a must see!
Family life is the source of the greatest human happiness. This happiness is the simplest and least costly kind, and it cannot be purchased with money~Havighurst
Farmgirl Sister #306 :)
www.trooperchelly.blogspot.com |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 06:07:31 AM
I've never been to the South Rim. We went to the North Rim. From what I understand, the South Rim is mostly desert/red rock. The North Rim is forested. We stayed in a tent at a campground so, I'm afraid I'm not much help in the hotel/motel area.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
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| KJD |
Posted - Aug 29 2008 : 6:04:02 PM
I went when I was 14, stayed in Flagstaff. I'm 45 and we've always talked of taking our 3 boys. Does anyone have thoughts about North rim vs. South rim - preference? Particular cabins or places in which to stay?
I'm "afraid" of heights (high over-passes), but have experienced that strange feeling of flying over the side when I have to drive on one... |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 9:15:59 PM
The Grand Canyon trip was one of our favorites. We've been there three times. It just gets more beautiful!
Marly |
| K-Falls Farmgirl |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 3:51:42 PM
Ladies, I lived in Arizona.(A 2 hour drive from Williams*) Have gone to see the Grand Canyon several times..Comment by Star Meadow is so true. People do strange things when told Not to do things for their safety. The best trip we took was from Williams Az on the train to Grand Canyon in December. The tour was fabulous, a bus ride with a tour guide from the train. Tour guide very informative and we stopped several times for "special Photo shoot opportunities" But nobody gets close to the edge on the tour.
Unfortunately people do press the limits & break rules and do not heed warnings. If you haven't gone to see the canyon By all means do it if the opportunity lends itself. You will not be disapointed.
Keep life simple, to Simply live. Life is too short to worry about it. |
| StarMeadow |
Posted - Jul 02 2008 : 5:05:22 PM
People "fall off" a cliff at the Grand Canyon because they get off the path! The path around the south rim (the only place I've been while I was there briefly) was well away from the edge. There are numerous signs that warn people to stay "on" the path but many choose to ignore it. I saw a young couple way out on a ledge and she was wearing flip flops!!!!! Imagine!!!! All that loose stone/gravel and she was climbing around in flip flops! --I was out in Flagstaff giving an educational seminar and raced up to the canyon one evening for the quickie tour, which basically meant just walking the path from the gate to the village. It was worth it though... Would love to take my boys back to see it! It is a bit dizzying when you think too much about going over the edge. There are rails at several look outs but like I said, stick to the path and you'll be fine and enjoy that amazing wonder!
I am grateful. I have enough. |
| Momof4 |
Posted - Jul 02 2008 : 12:22:50 PM
I love the Grand Canyon and would go back in a heartbeat. Also to be noted is how wonderful Zion and Bryce canyons are! If you are out there they are not that far from the Grand Canyon. We found a great place in Zion called ZionPonderosa that had tons of activities and cabins. Our favorite part was the ATV's on top of the mountains, archery and zip lines, and horseback riding.
Mom of 4 wonderful boys. |
| sleepless reader |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 7:52:46 PM
Well, there are 5 million visitors per year, so I think the odds of safety are in one's favor!
Sharon
Farmgirl Sister #74
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 05:20:41 AM
That's interesting, Sharon, that they keep stats on that. It must happen a lot, then. I wonder, though how many of those were actually suicidal? Niagara Falls keeps stats like that, too, because so many people commit suicide over the falls. I remember one woman who jumped in the river with her baby. That was really sad.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| sleepless reader |
Posted - Jun 09 2008 : 11:36:28 AM
The ranger gave us all sorts of statistics about who goes over the edge at the Grand Canyon. The worst demographic is men, aged 23 to 35 (Sheri, keep your son away!), the least likely are children aged 1 to four. No kidding! Who would let their child that young close to that kind of a drop? There was a little girl last year who went over. Very sad. The rim trail is mostly flat and paved with a short fence around most of it; wheelchair accessable. The trails down into the canyon are something else AND you have to share with donkeys!
We chose not to go to the clear bridge. I'm opposed to the thing on so many levels and I think I'd freak out on it!
I can't wait to do the canyon again, maybe in the spring...
Sharon
Farmgirl Sister #74
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Jun 09 2008 : 05:05:26 AM
That's good that he's so into the safety aspect of it. But I can certainly understand holding your breath. Our kids (and sometimes our dh's!) have a way of doing that to us, huh? Nice picture.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 3:49:39 PM
Yes, he loves rock climbing. He is always harnessed up though and climbs with a buddy. He taught my husband while we were visiting and is very thorough and safety conscious. I totally don't get it either - but he's obviously not the only one that experiences that.
Here's a picture of them last summer - I took the picture, holding my breath the whole time!
That's son at the top and dh at the bottom.
Farmgirl Sister #98
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| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 3:37:10 PM
Wow, Sherri! What is up with that! I have explained this to others and they all looked at me like I was nuts. I know I'm not crazy and I'm sure your son is not nor is Shirley's friend. But something weird goes on with us that apparently doesn't happen to everybody. Does he continue rock climbing even with that going on in his head?
Shirley, is your friend fine if someone else is doing the driving?
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 09:00:20 AM
Hi ladies - my youngest son is a rock climber and a back country hiker and he has described this same phenomenon to me countless times. He says he feels "drawn" to go over the edge on unprotected ledges. Scares the @%$#& out of me!! He's only 23 years old, healthy, not depressed or suicidal in any way, but also feels like he wants to go over that edge.
Farmgirl Sister #98
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 08:30:51 AM
She only began to feel that way about 5 years ago, and she is in her fifties. She was going through an unwanted divorce at the time. But now her family life is happy again, and her life is settled, but the fear of bridges is still with her. She can't drive to the beach here,as you have to go over a bridge nearly every road to the beach.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 07:46:46 AM
Shirley, I wish I could understand why I and your friend feel that way. It's such a scary feeling and it's so weird because you know darn well you wouldn't survive what your insides are wanting to do and yet that desire to do that is so overwhelmingly strong! It makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only one who has felt that way. But I still wish I could understand why.
As much as I loved our visit to the Grand Canyon, I believe it was what spoiled me as far my fear of heights now. I can't get any higher than the 3rd rung of a ladder without getting all shaky. Before that I never had a problem climbing a tree or getting up on a roof or anything!
Did your friend always feel that way about bridges or was there some catalyst event that caused this feeling later?
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 06 2008 : 11:19:15 AM
Lisa - I have a friend who feels that way about bridges!!! Each time she drives over one, she is almost overwhelmed by a desire to drive off of it! She will not drive across a bridge. And she is a balanced, happy sober person, too!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Jun 06 2008 : 08:55:26 AM
DH and I went several years ago to the North Rim. There were a couple of railings in certain places but for the most part, no. DH walked right out to the edge and wanted me to come join him for the view and I couldn't do it. I had this strange desire to run to the edge and do a swan dive! I can't explain why; I was NOT suicidal or depressed. It's just so open and majestically beautiful beyond words. I felt a weird kind of freedom that made me feel I could fly (no drugs or alcohol involved here either!). But I actually had this internal argument with myself over it. My knees were shaking so bad. I finally got on my hands and knees and crawled out to the edge. My God, it was awesome! Pictures simply don't do it justice.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 05 2008 : 04:46:34 AM
My daughter and her family just went in May. They rented a little cottage in Flagstaff and were at the south rim, and I have been there too. First thing I told her, when I heard they were going, was "take a leash" for their two year old. They had a great time, but they did indeed take a leash. What a "place beyond words" it is. I will never forget it and the feel of the wind. We went to Hermit's Rest, a stone cottage built right into the side of the canyon and it was the coolest place!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jun 04 2008 : 9:33:43 PM
I havn't been there since I was a little kid...I really want to plan a trip there in the next couple of years..won't be this summer though..we are pretty much sticking close to home....camping and visiting an amusement park only a few hours away....but maybe next spring.
It is just awesome there!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Jun 04 2008 : 6:26:12 PM
All I can picture is the scene from Thelma and Louise when I think about the Grand Canyon! When you go to the Oregon Coast and there's a big drop off they have a fence so you don't fall off, the Grand Canyon is deeper than that, so why no fence???????? A little girl fell over while we were in AZ - a military family just there for a nice day. The mom said she just turned her back for a moment and the little girl was gone - the dad tried to rescue her, but it was too late. The place scares the dickens out of me - but I know it's one of the great wonders and it's beautiful. Guess I'll have to look at a book - Can't fall off the pages of a book!!
Farmgirl Sister #98
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| Betty J. |
Posted - Jun 04 2008 : 5:49:03 PM
Sherri, you are so funny. Could you imagine a fence around the Grand Canyon? Now one thing I won't do and that's go out on the glass bridge they have built. At least I've heard about it, but have not seen it. I'm scared to death of heights. That would be more than I could take.
Betty |
