Okay, here's the regular trip report for today. Hope everyone enjoyed the type-as-it-happens earlier report.
I got up as early as I could this morning -- 8:30am. So by the time I showered, dressed, got gas, and an Egg McMuffin and hit the road, it was 9:45am. And it's about an hour and fifteen minute drive -- give or take.
So I finally decided that when I come back, the night before I want to visit the Grand Canyon, I'm going to stay either at one of the lodges in the park or at one of the hotels in Tusayan which is right at the entrance to the park. That way it'll only be a 10 minute drive to get to the park, instead of an hour and a half. I had wanted to get there as early as possible.
But the sun was shining and it was a beautiful and windy day. I was startled by the cost of entering the park -- it's gone up a great deal in two years -- nearly 3 times. And they've closed off the Western Rim Drive to cars, letting only a shuttle through. But it wasn't too bad. And there are still quite a few points to stop your car and see the sights.
I drove the East Rim Drive to the end and worked my way back. Each stop is different yet equally beautiful. As I drove along the East Rim Drive, I was playing Barbara Streisand's Higher Ground CD. I can't describe the feeling I got as I got to the last song -- Avinu Malkeinu -- which is Hebrew for Our Father, Our King. Listening to her voice soar along the ancient words to this Holy Jewish song as I looked out over the cliffs of the ancient walls of the Grand Canyon -- it was such a beautiful moment I got teary-eyed.
I'm not sure if everyone knows, but last week, I found out that one of our editors, Barry, on PB had a brain tumor. They operated last Friday and got all of it and it was benign. So everything is going to be okay. But this song is one that Barry introduced me to. So there was a little bit of a silent prayer of thanks that escaped my lips as I listened to this song, mouthing the words "Our Father, Our King. Thank you."
By the time I drove back from the East Rim, I was hungry (and it was 2:00pm.) So I got a bite to eat at the Yavapai Cafeteria. And then I went out to the Yavapai Observation Point where I composed my earlier ode to the Grand Canyon.
I left the Grand Canyon around 4:30 and drove back through Williams, instead of straight to Flagstaff. But I'm not sure it was any longer, because the stretch of highway between the Flagstaff turnoff and Williams is really straight and easy to drive. So you can coast.
After I relaxed and sent my earlier message, I went out to Bookmans, a huge used bookstore. And I do mean huge! I got a couple books and listened to a guy talk about feng shui to a group of people there. Then I grabbed a bite to eat and am back here.
So, that's it until tomorrow.
Jules, still mouthing the words to Avinu Malkeinu
