Lake Powell and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

I decided to get up early, even though I was awake after midnight to look at the alignment of the moon and Mars – quite impressive in the darkness at the campsite in Bryce Canyon National Park. I figured I would try to get to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and then see what I would do from there. On my way out of Bryce Canyon, near Red Canyon, I got one more shot of a natural bridge over the highway. In fact there are two in this region.

Heading toward Page, AZ I encountered the Colorado River again, this time from above. It is quite an impressive gorge at this level of the river in the beginning of the Grand Canyon

 

Later I arrived at Page, AZ and the dam at Lake Powell. It is really pretty and all of a sudden you see all kinds of cars towing boats in the middle of the desert.

I had a quick lunch in Page and then sped off to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. To get there I drove through the Kaibab National Forest. It was a beautiful ride and cool at the 8,000 ft. altitude. And then I arrived at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Just after I got through the Forest Ranger check in station I ran into (almost literally) a herd of buffalo!

 

It really is breathtaking to see so many beautiful animals and places. Since there were some thunderstorms brewing it was really blustery. My acrophobia kicked in and I had to hold on to the railing while trying to take pictures by the lodge which sits right on the edge of the canyon. I didn’t dare go out to the lookout point with sheer precipices on either side. I guess I will have to get my courage up if I ever visit the South Rim’s glass viewing area.

Rather than go on to Williams, AZ, I decided to return to Page, AZ and get a hotel so that I could then move on to Durango and the Mesa Verde National Park area next. It will be good to sleep in a bed and be able to use my CPAP machine again. I was a bit drowsy while driving today because I did not have a sound sleep for three nights in the tent. However, I was surprised how much I did indeed sleep while camping – I just don’t know what my neighbors thought of all of the snoring!

I just tried plugging in my CPAP here at the hotel and it does not work!  Apparently when I tried to run it off of the special battery pack it must have fried the circuit.  Now I will have to get a new CPAP.  But when and how?

I have a lot more pictures, but for some reason it is taking a very long time just to upload the few I have here.  I will try to put more of my pics on my blog at my next stop.   Despites these little setbacks, I am really enjoying my trip.