Grand Canyon National Park

We spent 2 nights camping at Grand Canyon National Park this past weekend. It was a l.o.n.g. drive up there, but completely worth it. We went tent camping, the first time as a family. I think we all would like to buy a RV when we return to the States in 2 years.

The pictures do not even begin to capture the beauty of what Yahweh has created. Millions of years, blah blah blah. I will give my Creator the honor due Him. Yahweh is powerful and wonderful and amazing.

We camped at Mather Campground, which was inexpensive, and inside the park:) I made sure we got a site next to some bathrooms, because who knows if a little one will need to get up and pee in the middle of the night (which they did not). The bathroom (at the campground) had flush toilets and running water. It was stocked with plenty of toilet paper, but there was no soap for hand washing. There are showers available at an extra cost, which we didn't use. Outside, behind the bathroom, there was a large sink to wash dishes in, and small children too in our case.

About a quarter of a mile from Mather campground, there is a general store. It's open until 9pm and accepts cash and cards. There is also a post office and ATM right next to it. Daniel had been told by a grumpy old man manning the camper services building that it was cash only, and cash only everywhere inside the park, with no ATM around. So, after setting up camp, and being 8pm with no cash, I ran into town to get water and cash. The next morning we found the general store and cards welcome. Oh well. Now you all know.

There are a lot of elk and deer all over the place. People can get very close to them. Don't be a jerk and just stop on the road to get out and take pictures! Actually move your car OFF of the road if you are going to stop. The roads in the park are not wide.

In the morning we breakfast at the cafe at the Yavapai Lodge in the same area as the general store. It was decently priced and rather large portions. Afterwards, the girls got their Junior Ranger booklets, attended a Ranger led activity and then headed to view the canyon.

After that we rented mountain bikes and a bike trailer to go on a bike ride to Hermit's Rest. We were shuttled to Hopi Point and then headed west along the south rim. It was 5.5 miles and mostly at a gentle downgrade. Our 7 year old biked it no problem. We pulled the 2 younger ones in the bike trailer. The ride took less than an hour, so you can slow it down and take your time. We had 2 hours to get to Hermit's Rest before our shuttle came to pick us up. We didn't realize how fast we would get there, so we could have slowed it down a whole lot!