Zion to Grand Canyon
May 10th, 2012 | 
Author: [findmespotmap v=3 start=”2012-05-07 07:00:00″ end=”2012-05-08 06:59:00″ id=”0-2100758″ type=t sv=yes wx=station]
Joyce
Monday was an incredible day We took the longer but more scenic route from Zion to the Grand Canyon and were well rewarded. The scenery was fantastic the entire route. I couldnt stop taking picture even though I never knew if I was getting anything. I was surprised at how many came out. In Jims video in the pictures that have a little of the bike in them, you can see me in the rear view mirror clicking away with the camera
Around every bend there was something new the entire day We arrived at the Grand Canyon mid afternoon. Although we have all seen pictures, it cant compare to the real thing. At the first overlook , we met a Rhode Islander from Woonsocket who took a picture of Jim and I. Small world
We stopped at the look out points on our way to the village – each one giving a little different view of the canyon. After we checked in, we caught the sunset right outside the hotel. These rim hotels are fantastic. Look outside your window or step outside your door and you are literally at the rim
We had a great dinner at the old original hotel and ended the night by seeing two elk right outside our hotel. It was around midnight and I think Jim and I were the only two people up. He wanted to try uploading the latest video he made and had to go to the lobby of the hotel next door. Just as he got down to the walkway he saw a huge elk with big horns grazing next to the walk. Sweet brother ran back to get me so I could see it too. After Jim went on to the other hotel, On my way back to our room a second elk come sauntering down to the walkway. Passed right along side the balcony. I was on The full moon made it easy to see them. Too dark for picture though. What a great ending to an incredible day (you may need to change the quailty to 720).
Posted in 2012-05-04 Desert Loop
FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS!!!!! This site is called Jonesin’ for A Ride! but while you two have been getting your fix, and then some, I’ve been Jonesin’ for some posts!! I was sad to see you heading back yesterday…you know how I get at the end of a vacation, and this one isn’t even mine!
Hope to see more now that you have reliable internet and no fabulous landscapes and views to distract you (Jim).
XOXOXO to you both!
What a great experience, Joyce. Jim, I loved the video and the music was excellent!
Jimmy and Joyce -that video montage was a masterpiece -Joyce – you have brought out the creative side of your brother! – the soundtrack was spot on, I loved the transition from the tunnel shot out, the shots from the bike were super cool, Great view from your hotel room and you two look so cute together! Really an awesome production….
Joyce – I loved your description of Vegas – Disney on roids – classic – it was cool reading a virgin’s description as we have all been there many times so it was really great to read how excited you were -it truly is a mind blowing place…
What a great experience you two are having – great bonding and it really goes to show the magic of travel – there simply is nothing better than hitting the road and letting the experience unfold in front of you – no scripted plans, no expectations, just pure unadultered ‘experience’ – Amen to that and thanks for sharing this tremendous experience with us!!
Just read the post about the elk at midnight -that is EXACTLY what I am talking about – unscripted, unsuspecting, unreal surprises that are the gems of the trip – I would have loved to have seen that – I have seen herds of elk, etc. but it was on a trip were we expected to see them, and while totally cool, that experience you had is one you will never forget – midnight? Elks? I am in! It is so cool to read Joyce’s joy and you are right – you do have a sweet, great brother – he really is one of the best people I have ever met – a true awesome person – one of a kind for sure!
You had to say that out loud for everyone to read?? His head will never fit in that tiny helmet of his!!
Lol, Jan – you haven’t figured it out yet? I pay Churro cash for those comments!
Wow!Gorgeous video and breathtaking images. What a great experience.
Sounds like a wonderful trip! Enjoy!
Jimmy,
thanks for sharing, welcome back home. Looks like you rolled back into SoCal with zero traffic. Now I want to go tour that corner of the country. I remember that the road from the South Rim east and then north was spectacular.
Really enjoyed the blog — you’ll have to help me set this up myself soon.
Thanks Tom – you remember that road well!
Like you, done most of these roads at one time or another, but this is the firs time throwing them together for this loop. It was fun and relaxing. If you throw in a little more time, you can throw in Bryce and Capital Reef N.P. too. Too bad the North Rim wasn’t opened yet for the summer (May 15th)
What a go!reat adventure! Love the video! Loved the Grand Canyon when we were there in 95 with our kids. Keep the posts coming! Judi