Randomness

Altitude and alcohol. Friday night Rick and I both got home from late duties at the lodge and decided a nice Bailey's Irish Cream on the rocks would be a fitting nightcap. At 8200' we discovered that one would do it, since we both passed out a few minutes later.

The weather. For the second time in a week, the Jeep was covered in snow. And, of course, being completely prepared after my many visits to Iowa and Minnesota, I do have a scraper.

Grocery shopping in Kanab. Five bags of beverages, Pop Tarts, an ice tray, cleaning and laundry supplies, air freshener (it's beginning to have the "air" of a dorm room) and a couple bags of dried fruit. Lunch was great, too. A small sandwich shop, homemade bread, medium rare roast beef and horseradish spread. Mmm!

Homesick. It struck me on the drive home this place is starting to grow on me. After four weeks, I already know it will be hard to say goodbye for the winter. You cannot buy the solitude or the paradisical nature of this singular outpost on the North Rim.

Saddle Mountain.

When the cars are backed up

down the highway at the popular, touristy

trailheads just north of the lodge, you opt for the more remote trails in the Kaibab National Forest bordering the national park. The viewpoints are spectacular and the footpaths through meadows and aspens along the rim are yours and yours alone.

Thankfully, the East RIm remains a rarely visited part of the park.

Happy Memorial Day!