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After the Antelope Canyon tour, we knew there were hotel rooms available in Page. But what if there were last minute vacancies at the North Rim? Are we pushing our luck? Doesn’t hurt to check, right?

Yes! There was a vacancy for the night. Ok, next. What about a dinner reservation at the lodge? That was harder. 7:30 was the only time. Ok, we will take it. We were set for our final night of the trip. 

A little history. Papa and I hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim for the first time 12 years ago. My friend, Judy, encouraged me to “go for it.”  I feel a connection to her when I am there, especially on the North Rim. (Judy's Story)

This visit varies from the template Judy laid out but it was wonderful evening. We still stopped at Jacob Lake on our way to the North Rim. We picked up cookies, as Judy suggested. I also picked up muffins for breakfast. 

We arrived at the North Rim at 6:35. Sunset is around 7:30. Both large lodge verandas overlooking the Canyon were pretty crowded already. We found a picnic table and proceeded to enjoy dessert, our Jacob Lake cookies, before dinner. 

As the sun was starting to set, we were escorted to our dinner table. From our table, we were able to watch the sun sink below the horizon and see the tiny lights on the South Rim appear. Magical. Truly magical. A deliciously prepared venison dinner with a glass of Merlot may have contributed to that feeling.

This morning we awoke to yet another, and our final day, of sunshine. We enjoyed coffee and our muffin on the bench outside our room in the crisp mountain air. We watched the sun peek through the tall pine trees along the rim of the canyon. Before we left, we walked along the rim, partially down one of the trails, visited the lodge, the veranda and took the steps down the trail between the lodge and rim overlook. From the trail overlook extending on a rock penisula, the canyon lies below and the windows of the dining room above. A stunning view, a perfect ending to the magnificent trip. 

As we drove home, Papa and I talked about the things we had experienced. The landscapes so unique and beautiful, and they still were as we approached home. The weather worked out well every single day, and it was again today. We were healthy. The trip was beyond wonderful but so is every day. Life is good. And we are thankful.