Last year, we read that there was an opportunity for senior citizens to purchase a lifetime pass to The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for $10. I purchased it because I do love visiting the Cabrillo National Monument. From its vantage point, you can photograph the City of San Diego and the beautiful views of the San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean. When we arrived at the entrance to the Grand Canyon, I was able to use my pass.
On our drive, we saw a herd of about 75 to 100 bison traversing the beautiful landscape. The ladies oohed and aahed over the babies.
After our 43.6 mile drive, we came to the Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim. The views were amazing. We milled through the gift shop and proceeded to have lunch at the Lodge. The restaurant had large picture windows so we could enjoy some of the views before we ventured outside.
After we were finished with lunch, we started to look around. The views were amazing. In the lodge, I spotted a floor model radio from the 1930s. It looked just like the one that my parents kept in the basement. As a 10 or 11 year old, I would sit next to it, turning the dial to listen to ham radio operators and ship-to-shore conversations. While this radio was just a piece of memorabilia at the Lodge, it was quite a 'blast from the past' for me.
Then we went to the veranda to see the views. As my eyes took in the depth and breadth of the Canyon, I felt so grateful to behold this awesome sight.
At my daughter's request, I refrained from climbing down the steps, shown at the left.
As you can see, the Grand Canyon seems overwhelming. Everywhere you turned, there was another aspect to the view. I now understand why my friends were so impressed and why tourists flock there, staying in the surrounding cabins.There were people sitting on the veranda, just taking it all in. I've read that only 10% of the Grand Canyon visitors go to the North Rim. It's certainly worth seeing.
I'm so grateful to the planners of this wonderful surprise. It was on my 'bucket list.' So, check ... Now, I'll just adjust my listing to add the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
After a long day, we were happy to return to The Kanab El Pueblo Townhome and just relax. I highly recommend this Airbnb. As I said on my previous post, this townhome was well equipped with everything you'd need, but after this amazing afternoon, we ordered in.
We chose the Peekaboo Canyon Woodfired Kitchen. My daughter had to drive over to pick up our order, but it was a short distance. The pizzas we chose to share were "Peekaboo Pear" and "Fuhgeddaboudit" with the "Scarlett" salad. My son-in-law chose the lattkes. We, ladies, ordered cheese cake as well. The food as very good. After everyone retired for the night, I saw the three pieces of cheese cake, each with different toppings in the refrigerator. We had eaten so well, we forgot about the cake.Well, as my eldest daughter worked on a paper for college, I was able to eat a half of one piece of the cheesecake. I also highly recommend this restaurant in Kanab, Utah.
On the fourth and last day of our trip, we returned to Las Vegas to eat at the Bacchanal Buffet in Caesars Palace. The restaurant was very crowded with many on line waiting their turn to dine. The buffet was very large, with many food choices. I enjoyed the lobster tails and a few items that caught my eye. The desert area was brimming with enticing selections.
While the family went to the Forum for the car, my daughter gave me some more money to use in the slots. Lost that. As we waited, we then played some singles. Lo and behold, I started to win a few dollars. Had no time to even turn the ticket in. The family had arrived at Caesars to take us home.
With a full day, we headed back to San Diego. My wonderful 'Birthday Mystery Trip' will be remembered for long time, at least until my next big birthday, when who knows where I will go. Seriously, I had a wonderful time ... something I never expected and will always treasure.
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