Saturday, August 6, 2022

Miraculous

When Betsy fell ill, we had to cancel the major “kick” to the end of our planned trip. #1 We have wanted to tour Antelope Canyon for years. #2 Stay overnight on the North Rin of the Grand Canyon. That one we have done years ago when we hiked the Grand Canyon the first time. 

First we overslept on the morning we wanted to leave Salt Lake City. That made getting home really late. Just for kicks, I called Antelope Canyon to see if, like us earlier in the week, someone may have canceled their tour reservation. Guess what? We could get a reservation at 3:45 giving us plenty of time to make the drive. Plus, if we arrived early, they might be able to slip us in earlier. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1EBIru4J3i4FY-mJfSM0U1dc2Qief9Nvb
The drive was incredible. We put a audio book on and drove. The book entertained. The views kept us in awe. Mountains near Salt Lake, canyons, and beautiful red rocks in southern Utah all the way to Page. Concerned we missed our turn, we stopped at the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center for directions. The ranger was so helpful giving perfect directions (“go by Walmart, watch for stop light” you know avoiding north, south stuff). Bonus: stunning views of the dam and bridge, which we soon drove over.
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VrjQAOpgnuzpWbGKdpTSStYDYPuTykkM
The miracles continue. We arrived at the tour building at 2PM. They say it is a 45 minute check-in process. We were done and on the 2:15 tour!  Yes, no waiting just go!

It’s a walking and climbing/step tour. Our tour guide, Eli, was awesome. A Navajo, he knew the history of the tribe, answered questions about the code talkers, future of the tribe. Like almost every stop on this trip, tourism is down a little but they’re doing ok. 

The formations with the Canyon are amazing. With the right sun angle and photography skills, oh the pictures! Amazing, a week ago the canyon was almost submersed in water. Local flooding. Eli said the used buckets to haul the water out and prepare for yours again. Lots of work!!

The middle photo above is the flying girl, a Navajo Nation logo inspired by this formation. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1rf089LQezv14hzoO_1cNnP6XaRadCsb5
Our guide, Eli, behind us. 

It is now 4:00 and getting home would be very late. Many areas we would travel have wildlife that would make nighttime driving white knuckle for sure. Where to stay? Find out tomorrow. 

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