Grand Canyon, Days 1 & 2

The Canyon Revisited

When planning this trip, we realized there was one place we had each been separately, but not together…South Rim of The Grand Canyon. Several years ago, we visited the North Rim, but bypassed the South Rim.

When Meriam suggested we visit the Canyon on this trip, I was reluctant. Years ago, my ex and our two boys took a trip to California. It was a hectic two week trip, going to Yellowstone NP, Yosemite NP, Hoover Dam, and many places in between, including the Grand Canyon. My failing memory recalls us driving up to the rim, hopping out of the car, looking over the rim, seeing a big hole, and hopping back in the car…so what! Hence, I was not particularly interested in seeing the “big hole” again.

In contrast, Meriam’s first visit was dramatically different. In the early 1970’s, at the ripe age of 20, Meriam embarked on her “find yourself” experience, taking a solo trip to the Grand Canyon on her brand new R75 BMW motorcycle! One of the goals of her trip was to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spending the night at Phantom Ranch and returning the next day. During our four day visit to the Canyon, we realized why the Grand Canyon is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

P.S. We are trying VERY hard to not bore you with endless photographs of the Grand Canyon. However, there are so many great views it’s torture selecting those included with this post.

Seen as a thin, bright line snaking down the canyon side, is the beginning of Bright Angel Trail. This is the trail Meriam took as a solo hiker! The round trip to the bottom and back up is a total of 15.3 miles long, descending some 4478 feet (and of course ascending the same footage on the return).
Another view of the continuation of Bright Angel Trail as it descends the canyon wall. Notice the large number of switchbacks! As a side note, during the spring and summer, temperatures along the trail often reach over 100 degrees F.
A panorama of a portion of the Grand Canyon which contains the Bright Angel Trail. Note the flat area in the lower middle portion of the photograph. This plateau is the only level part of the trail. If you look closely at the bottom edge of the photograph (about one third in from the right edge) one can barely see a white rapid on the Colorado River. That is the goal!
In order to get to Phantom Ranch on the other side of the Colorado River, one has to traverse the Silver Bridge. Built in the 1960s, this 524 foot suspension bridge only allows foot traffic.
Another intriguing view of a portion of the Grand Canyon as the Colorado River snakes along.
Another view of the Colorado River. Note the dramatic color variation between the foreground protrusion and the canyon walls in the distance.
Meriam reflecting on her incredible accomplishment some 50 years ago
Here is Meriam retracing (some) of her very footsteps those many years ago. It’s hard to imagine a young, beautiful woman embarking on a solo 1300 mile motorcycle trip to the Grand Canyon and then taking a solo hike down Bright Angel Trail.
Posted in 2024 - The Southwest
10 comments
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  • DonMAGNIFICO!  Both rims are awesome.  Great pictures!ReplyCancel

  • GaryBring back memoriesReplyCancel

    • HaroldSounds like you’ve been there before, Gary.ReplyCancel

  • mao  I never knew that our Meriam was a biker chick—now I think I can visualize it…
    I can’t wait to see other pics in your published book of this trip.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldHey MAO. I asked Meriam this morning what caused her to pick the Grand Canyon for her “discover self” trip. Her reply: “I can’t remember”…too distant in the past I guess.ReplyCancel

  • MaryHB loved your description of first trip too G CanyonReplyCancel

  • Fran RoundsI treasure your photos like personal experiences: y‘all are both BOLD! 👏 FranReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Fran. Meriam and I both cherish you comments and observations.ReplyCancel