Lockett Meadow

Lockett Meadow had been discussed for several weeks as an ideal place to photograph the aspens' fall colors.  Eight photographers gathered to cover the 'scene' and what a beautiful scene it was.  Along the path winding its way to the Inner Basin there were big and small wonders.  The weather was perfect, the sky was overcast due to an approaching storm and there was just enough wind to produce that familiar sound of aspens' rustling leaves.  Not everyone made the full hike to the Inner Basin, but we sure enjoy the photos from those that did.  Just a super duper day.

Grab a cup of something delicious . . . this is a long entry.  My thanks to the photographers who each contributed to this post.  You are making my mom's day!

Ann hiked to the top.  Hiking gets easier on the road section!

An early Christmas wreath!

Ann meets up with the hiking club from Sedona.  One member of the group told me they have 400 members and plan four active hikes a week.  Yikes!  They were moving along pretty quickly so I immediately recognized that there were probably no photographers in the group (my excuse for not joining such a fit group).

Taken from the car on our way down the mountain.  Greg kindly pulled over, just a tad.  The dirt road is not Prius friendly, very narrow and with no edge guard rails.  Ah, but the view!

The image below captures my imagination.  Doreen sent the following story with the image.  "This is my favorite!  I can visualize myself in that hammock.  It’s so different to see that there!  You could hear the leaves falling down from the trees just like the rain.  Reminds me of when I lived back in Upstate NY when I was a little girl.  We had 2 hammocks in the woods close to our house where we grew up." 

A couple of people stayed on the mountain until almost dark.  Most of us left mid-afternoon.  It was well worth the drive and meeting up with special friends always makes an adventure such as this one memorable.  

North Rim of Grand Canyon

Once we reached Jacob Lake we felt like we were on the home stretch.  The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is only 10 miles, as the crow flies, from the South Rim.  But, right away we felt the difference.  One difference is the altitude.  It is higher!  It sits an the Kaibab Plateau between 8,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level.  This area is covered with conifers and aspen.  The pace is different as well with fewer people, easy parking and access to points of interest.  It was well worth the long drive through gorgeous terrain!

Just like David described, aspens around broad meadows!

All stages of ready and getting ready to show off.

New growth in an old burned out area.  

Along the tree line we saw two separate groups of deer. 

We went for the colors of fall, specifically the aspen yellow and orange.  But, there are so many interesting trees that the aspen's gold slowly lost out as being the most interesting.

Fill flash and a fisheye!

We took the tourist route, starting at Point Imperial (image below) and the driving to Cape Royal for our sunset shot.  It was a good choice.  As you will notice, with four photographers, there were different interpretations of any scene.

This image really shows the height difference between the North and South Rim.

Cape Royal, a great location for a sunset shot.  This was taken early in the Golden Hour.  Already beautiful, the sun is going to do some magic on this rock!

The following morning we returned to the North Rim, dropped Ann off for her hike down the Kaibab Trail and then went to the Visitor Center and the Grand Canyon Lodge.  There is a relatively easy trail along the rim which we hiked for a short time.  The weather was perfect!

Prominent exhibit at the Lodge.  Pack animals continue to play a significant role in Grand Canyon activities.

The Lodge reminded me of another era's interpretation of luxury.  No, I did not intend to get in Tom's shot.  I was there first (I think). Behind Tom were huge windows offering up a panoramic view of the Canyon.

This last set of images were all taken by Ann.  She is the hiker!  She does not care for taking photographs but we talked her into taking her seldom used point and shoot on her hike down Kaibab Trail.  She hiked 5 miles, roundtrip.  We dropped her off and picked her up 2.5 hours later.  Aside from hiking, Ann loves meeting folks along the trail.  There are two prominent features to be noted.  One is the bridge where Rim to Rim hikers cross the river.  The second is the tunnel where the hiker's path cuts through the mountain.  I am proud to tell you that Ann has made 12 Rim to Rim hikes!  She is a trooper in taking photos for us . . . stopping, getting the camera out, etc. all takes time from her hiking.  We appreciate the view she gives us.

All animals have the right of way, in either direction.

Yep, that is Ann.  Taken by a new friend found along the trail.

We met up with Ann, had a picnic lunch along the rim and headed home.  What a weekend!!  If you have not been to the North Rim . . . put that on your list for next year.  The Rim is set to close with the first serious winter storm.  Lodges and campgrounds  plan on closing about the middle of October.  

Road to the North Rim

We left for the North Rim from Williams.  What is a long trip made longer by frequent stops to shoot!  I can see your smile!  Below are some of our many shots of the Vermillion Cliffs area.

Colorado River flowing under the Navajo Bridge near Lee's Ferry.

Cars to the right and feet to the left!

Sand bar in Colorado River looking down from Navajo Bridge.

A real treat . . . a condor resting on the bridge!!

Hopping along.  Here we see that this is #54.

Haha!  Nono of us can remember which stop this was!  Ice cream stop? 

As we headed up the hill towards the North Rim we began to see pine and eventually . . . aspen!  Rim shots and yellow aspen are up next.  Stay tuned.