We started out our first morning with a hearty meal of
breakfast burritos, complete with sausage, potatoes, eggs, and cheese. We needed to fuel up for a mile and a half
hike on the Transept Trail – from our campsite to the Grand Canyon Lodge. The trail was beautiful, weaving in and out
of the forest, occasionally venturing near the edge for views of the
canyon. The boys were troopers and hung
in there with us. Ryder got a ride in
the Ergo for part of the hike; the elevation changes were not easy for his
little legs. Aidan got hot and tired (and
a bit whiny towards the end), but got an extra boost of power once he found a
good walking stick.
When we found the end, we quickly walked through the lodge,
gift shop, visitor’s center, and, of course, had another bathroom break. We sat down for a little picnic and then
headed out to Bright Angel Point. Don’t
let it’s “0.5 mile round trip” description fool you! It was exposed, hot, and had some changes in
elevation – which wouldn’t be too bad for the average adult – but, with two
kids that just completed a 1.5 mile hike, it was a little more difficult than
anticipated. Ryder hung out in the Ergo
for much of the walk – which was fine with me because some of the walk was a
little “breathtaking” for a Mama who is afraid of heights! Aidan, however, was at the END of his ROPE;
Soon Mama and Daddy were, too. We made it, though,
and enjoyed the slightly nerve-wracking, totally amazing view.
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| Bright Angel Point - Yes, we walked to the edge of that white rock overlook! |
By the time we hiked back up to the lodge, one boy was
asleep on my back and the other was crying and doing all he could just to
survive. We moved to Plan B for our
return to camp – Daddy would hike back on the Transept Trail solo, while the
boys and I rested in the shade and waited for him to return with the car. It was amazing how quickly Aidan recovered
after some cold water, shade, small snack, and a little rest. (I wish we would have known that in the
moment. We need to remember it next
time, as I am sure there will be a next time.)
He was his silly, smiling self again within minutes.
After making it back to camp, we decided on an early
dinner. It was Ryder’s 3rd
birthday and we had his dinner choice: hamburgers! They were delicious! Good food always tastes better when you are
camping! Ryder got to open a few birthday
presents after dinner and we enjoyed banana boat dessert (bananas, mini
marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanuts heated over a campfire)! What a cool birthday evening!
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| This kid is such a genuinely happy boy! |
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| Campfire birthday dessert |
We ended the night by enjoying another sunset on the cliff,
while the boys painted the view with watercolors. They created the best souvenir I could ever
hope for!
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| Our 3-year-old birthday boy, painting the Grand Canyon sunset. |
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| Aidan's masterpiece |
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| Mother Nature's masterpiece |
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