I’m glad I extended my stay at the Grand Canyon, having a full day to travel around to the different viewpoints on the western edge of the South Rim. I’m glad there was a shuttle, because I would still be at the top, or most likely the first viewpoint.

The views are hard to really comprehend; just the actual size of the Grand Canyon is. There isn’t a visual depth at the top of the rim. I had a talk with a man named Ivan about it for twenty minutes, and he mentioned that it just looks like a painting in front of you. We talked about how it would feel a lot different if we were on the Canyon floor, comparing it to the Domes of Yosemite, where you stand at the base and can look straight up.

There are people from all over the world here. I loved listening to the various dialects communicating despite me not knowing anything that was being said. It’s a true wonder of the world here.

I go back to the hotel and had time to quickly finish my burger from lunch before the sun started setting. I found a good spot along a ledge. Hoping the golden hour would provide a good view of some of the further-out peaks in the canyon. But it wasn’t to be, but it didn’t stop me from seeing a beautiful sunset over the vista shooting out in the canyon. (Edit: After looking at my photos, the view really was quite amazing after some processing.) I was told Mojave Point is your best bet for sitting and enjoying the views. That’s where Ivan said he was going when we departed. I would have gone had I not dropped my film camera on the bus. I needed to go back to my room to fix it first. Next time I come, I’ll plan better and schedule around the sun and moon.

Tomorrow I hit Route 66 again, it’s about 90 minutes back to the route from here. Where I end up I’ll just have to see, just know it won’t be 16 hours this time. For now, I sit on this rock enjoying a cool breeze as I think and reflect on myself.