Grand Canyon, June 7

The next day we went to the visitor center watched a video about the history and ecology of the Grand Canyon. Afterwards, we took a bus to the South Kaibab Trailhead to hike down into the canyon. The trail was mostly well-groomed and wide enough for two people side-by-side, but sometimes it was steep and slippery (dry, dusty sand and gravel) with a cliff on one side. We had the girls hold our hands at all times and walk on the inside of the trail (changing hands at each switchback). James was particularly nervous, as he gets weak-kneed when confronted with heights.

It was an arduous hike, especially on the way back up, but it gave us a unique glimpse into the canyon (looking up towards the rim). We were really glad that we brought plenty of snacks and water. We took frequent breaks, and the girls did a *great* job of continuing up the trail without complaints. They were the youngest kids we saw hiking the trail (there were a few younger ones in hiking backpacks).


Later in the afternoon, we got ice cream and headed to a ranger talk about the California condor. This large (9 foot wing span) carrion-eating bird is an endangered species and the rangers are working hard to breed them in captivity and re-introduce them into the wild. The reason for their near-extinct status? When hunters shoot (and leave) animals with lead bullets, the birds ingest some of the lead and it weakens the eggshells of their offspring. While we were at the talk, several of the condors that live in the canyon flew right overhead!

The ranger said they were checking out the crowd to see if any of us were about to drop dead. :) Connie