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Monday, August 17, 2009

Day 2 - Grand Canyon

Today we woke up early to head for the Grand Canyon! The drive through western New Mexico and Arizona were both beautiful. The scenery dramatically changed from red rock and dry deserts to very green and heavily wooded national forestry.

When we arrived it was close to 1pm local time. Immediately we headed to the rim to take our first look. The view was incredibly breath taking… definitely more spectacular than I had anticipated.

After strolling down the rim trail, we decided to take a trail down into the canyon. It took us about 2 hours there and back – about three miles and 1130 feet difference in altitude. Definitely an intense hike!

We wrapped up the afternoon with a trip to the eastern rim to view the canyon from the Watchtower.

Interesting tidbits from today:

- Tons of European tourists! We heard people speaking French, German, Spanish and more. We shared our dinner table with a couple from Spain who were very cool.

- President Obama and family were also at the Grand Canyon today. Surprising there was not too much hoopla or security. We did meet one fellow from Delaware who purposely wore his Reagan t-shirt. Good for him!

Tomorrow will bring another early start. Headed to Moab, Utah for mountain biking.

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