We decided to stop by Antelope Canyon on our way to Grand Canyon. It’s located on Navajo land, so you have to take a guide with you. It’s not as authentic an experience as you would hope (200 people every hour crammed in a cave that sometimes isn’t wider than your shoulders), but it is gorgeous and we got some great photos. The wind kicked up as we were leaving, sand blasting everything – it brought to life the creation of the wilderness we’re seeing. It’s easier to imagine time, wind, water and gravity shaping the landscape when your skin is prickling with stinging sand.

Then onto the Grand Canyon! Our first view from the east was Desert View. It’s thinner and greener there – I’m not sure C was all that impressed. We continued on, wanting to set up camp before dark. We’re getting pretty good at the set up now, so we had time for a quick view from the rim at Yavapai Point before getting groceries. This view was much more what is expected. The canyon is HUGE. Burgers for dinner, then bed.

For our full day at the canyon, we decided to rent bikes at the visitors center. They have closed a large portion of the rim to cars (there are free shuttle buses) so it was easy to share the road from Bright Angel trailhead to Hermits Rest. It’s a 15 mile round trip, with far more hills than you would think for the edge of a canyon. We’d been warned that it’s all downhill going, so the ride back would be much more challenging. C was a powerhouse, riding strong and being very encouraging. It was easier than we both expected – but it’s hard to catch your breath from a tough ride when your resting spot is a cliff edge with a mile long drop. We became obsessed with the height, so bought a book to satisfy our curiosities – it makes one hell of a bedtime story.

Now we’re off to California. We’ll drive part of Route 66 today! Then hopefully make it to Death Valley – where we’ll get our first hotel room in 5 days! We just don’t want the tent to melt 😉

Fry bread!