Another day in the Canyon

Today was the first day we didn't have to get up, pack and move on to another destination since Las Vegas.  So it was good to just hang out.  The girls slept in, and I headed over to the cafeteria for a hot breakfast and some time reading.  Very relaxing.  The girls didn't get up until around 10a or so, and they later decided that wasn't a good idea.  You sleep too late and it just makes you groggy.

Anyway, they finally got up, got dressed, and we headed over to the rim to take a hike which started on the rim trail, a trail that is basically flat and follows the rim of the canyon and has some really nice views.  We took that to Bright Angel Trail, which is a trail that goes down into the canyon.  We didn't go that far into the canyon before deciding to turn around as we were pressed for time and wanted to see the IMAX movie on the Grand Canyon.  Coming up was A LOT harder than going down.  It was so hot.  It didn't seem to phase Laura, she just kept right on going like it was nothing.  I was huffing and puffing and Melissa was sick to her stomach and almost threw up.  We made it back to the top of the Bright Angel Trail and Melissa had to stop and sit in the shade with Laura while I continued back on the rim trail to the car and came and picked the girls  up.  I am not sure whether it was heat exhaustion or altitude sickness or a combination of both, but Melissa had it.  We took her back to the cabin and she rested for about 45 minutes, we gave up on the movie, at least for the day.

Hiking gets the best of us today!

Later in the day we boarded the Grand Canyon Railway for a one and a half hour train ride in the Coconino Canyon, which was ok but not spectacular.  Probably not worth the money, but it was a neat train.  Oh well, not everything can be mind blowing.  After that we headed back to Yavapai Point to watch another sunset, and then went to El Tovar, which is the famous lodge here, for a very nice dinner. Very good food, and I am still stuffed.  We tried to go back to catch another round of the Star Gazing Party, but I think we came too late, as we didn't see the guys with their telescopes.  But the night sky was still beautiful.

So that is it!  Not too much to write tonight. Melissa seems better and I think a good night's sleep will be good for all of us.  So I will check in with you tomorrow!

Love, Beth