Dawn on the South Rim

April 24

Wake hours before dawn...stare at the ceiling until 5...bundle up...it's still cold, but the forecast is sunny.   Go to Mather Point and join about 30 others awaiting the dawn.

The first shafts of light that hit the sidewall rocks throw off almost a candlelight glow.

Every moment, a new angle goes from darkness to brillance.

We feel we've earned breakfast at El Tovar.  This was terrific.  Rick ordered a southwestern hash and eggs...it really wasn't hash, but he loved it....more of a breakfast fajita. My blackened trout with poached eggs was wonderful (though I did have to send the eggs back once because they were almost hard boiled).

Back at the ranch, we settle in to read the morning paper, hoping a nap will envelope us...no luck on that front, but discover some visitors have dropped by.  These are mule deer....they're not the sleek, elegant deer we're used to seeing.  They're shaggy, unattractive, fearless, huge and everywhere!

Later in the afternoon, we get the bright idea we'll ride our bikes up the road to Hermit's Rest.This a a 7-mile stretch to the western end of the South Rim and, during the season which starts April 1, is only open to shuttle buses and bicycles.  We didn't get far...it was like trying to ride up the side of a building!  Tomorrow, we'll try a different plan of attack.

Freezer diving tonight produces bbq pork sandwiches on sour dough rolls, roasted garlic potatoes and cole slaw.  Getting down to the dregs!