In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia. Charles Lindbergh
Every day we've seen beautiful scenery and wildlife, but today took the cake. We hiked the North Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (okay, I didn't even know this existed until planning this trip). It was an 8.5 mile hike through some of the most spectacular country I've ever seen. We hiked through the woods, adjacent to the river, and through the canyon. At one point, you can hike to the Brim of the Falls. It's a strenuous hike (and crazy hiking back up) but when you get to the bottom, you're standing directly above the falls.
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| Photos can't capture the enormity and power of the waterfall. |
We stopped for a picnic along the way, and it felt as if we were sitting on the edge of the earth. (Well, not quite on the edge, because M. was having a panic attack if I went within 6 feet!). In any case, the hike was indescribably beautiful -- once again perfect weather, and a feeling of accomplishment at the end. (Note to Anne: I jacked up my pedicure, but for now, I'm hangin' on to my toenails!).
The hike reminded me of some words of wisdom from a Vietnam Vet we'd been chatting with the day before. He'd made some "bucket list" type plans in the past year, including visiting Yellowstone, going on an Alaskan cruise, and going back to school for his PhD. Then, his wife died and he was diagnosed with cancer (Obviously Mimi was there since we engaged a perfect stranger in conversation!). Still, he decided to go through with his plans and was on the first leg of his journey. He shared his guiding words:
"I never said it was going to be easy, but I promise it'll be worth it."
True for our hike and for life!
After a quick shower and change (fate smiles again -- we got a room at the Lake Hotel for the night again tonight), we headed to the Old Faithful Inn and for dinner.
Dear Old Faithful Inn restaurant manager,
I know you must think it's cute and trendy to put items on the menu like "Bison Stroganoff," "Trout Stew," and "Elk Meatloaf," but could you just throw in a burger or chicken? Really? We drove an hour and the only thing edible on the menu is a spinach salad?
After dinner, we wandered around the springs and geysers, waiting for Old Faithful. My childhood memory of this was standing miserably in the rain, waiting for the eruption, and then being barely able to see it due to the rain and the fog. This time, it was beautiful.
Back to the hotel for a farewell to Yellowstone. It's been fabulous.
P.S. On our hike, we solved the age-old question: Does a bear (scat) in the woods? Yes, and we have the photos to prove it for anyone who is interested!
The hike reminded me of some words of wisdom from a Vietnam Vet we'd been chatting with the day before. He'd made some "bucket list" type plans in the past year, including visiting Yellowstone, going on an Alaskan cruise, and going back to school for his PhD. Then, his wife died and he was diagnosed with cancer (Obviously Mimi was there since we engaged a perfect stranger in conversation!). Still, he decided to go through with his plans and was on the first leg of his journey. He shared his guiding words:
"I never said it was going to be easy, but I promise it'll be worth it."
True for our hike and for life!
After a quick shower and change (fate smiles again -- we got a room at the Lake Hotel for the night again tonight), we headed to the Old Faithful Inn and for dinner.
Dear Old Faithful Inn restaurant manager,
I know you must think it's cute and trendy to put items on the menu like "Bison Stroganoff," "Trout Stew," and "Elk Meatloaf," but could you just throw in a burger or chicken? Really? We drove an hour and the only thing edible on the menu is a spinach salad?
After dinner, we wandered around the springs and geysers, waiting for Old Faithful. My childhood memory of this was standing miserably in the rain, waiting for the eruption, and then being barely able to see it due to the rain and the fog. This time, it was beautiful.
Back to the hotel for a farewell to Yellowstone. It's been fabulous.
P.S. On our hike, we solved the age-old question: Does a bear (scat) in the woods? Yes, and we have the photos to prove it for anyone who is interested!
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