GOD's Big Dig, Grand Canyon June 1, June 5

Ok, first some stats. Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world; averages 10 miles across from South Rim to North Rim. Averages 1 mile to the bottom (Colorado River). 277 miles long. When Indians brought the Spainish to it in the 1500's, they never made it to the bottom; too far. Went back and reported this area should be avoided at all costs. Became a place to visit for its beauty and views in early 1900's; that's when Mary Jane Coulter (architect) started designing her 5 buildings on the South Rim.

Geology/formation: This area is part of the Colorado Plateau, the surface of which was once underwater (marine fossils found). The whole area was subject to a massive uplift several hundred million years ago. The roaring Colorado river started the water erosion we see today about 6-10 million years ago. Other water and weather/wind erosion contributed to big dig we see today. Study of the age of the earth can be observed in the layers of rock down to the bottom. Layers of rock at the top 250 million years old; rocks at the bottom date to early ages of the earth's formation, up to 2.3 billion years ago.

The South Rim is where most people go; it is more developed w/lodging, ranger tours and shops. However, Marlene and I felt it was too developed; and we were there when it was supposedly not very busy; not very peaceful to us. North Rim has a lodge right on the edge of the canyon, less busy, better views for my money; much less developed, much more peaceful; I could easily spend a day or two at the North Rim.

Pictures cannot do justice to the massiveness of the Canyon; it's just too big. We were happy we went there, but have seen other sights and views we enjoyed more. Nothing, however, anything close to the scale of the Big Dig.

North Rim. Can you see the people at the edge of the white rock in the upper right? That's the view point; short walk down from the lodge, which is perched right on the edge of the canyon.

North Rim, about 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim

Marlene at the South Rim

Me in front of the South Rim

Hopi house at the south rim, one of 5 buildings designed by Mary Jane Coulter, famous architect (one of first female architects). Designed in 1905 to blend in with the Indian culture.

Me duct taping a bottom flap under my car until I can get to a garage. Too many rough dirt roads.