This Adventure Called Retirement

We survived the night! At 6:30am the temperature was 29 degrees but our preparations resulted in a very comfortable and restful night of sleep. We covered the tent floor with two moving blankets (acquired from the numerous moves we helped with our kids over the past two years) and had an inflatable queen size mattress with a pillow top mattress cover, sheets, and three layers of blankets. The two of us were comfortable throughout the night.

When we checked in, the ranger told us that they reserve a certain number of campsites as “first-come, first-serve” so if we wanted to stay an additional night we just needed to be at the office when they opened and we would be able to get an additional night, though maybe not the same site. Since we wanted to explore the canyon more, I headed over and requested another night. We had to move sites, but it was no problem to relocate our tent and head out for a second day of hiking.

At the suggestion of our daughter, Elizabeth, we decided to take the free shuttle to Hermit’s Rest about7.6 miles west of the village. During the winter, November to the end of February, cars are allowed to drive this road, but March through October the only option is the free shuttle. It is, without a doubt, worth it. There are multiple stops along the route with exceptional views, many including views of the Colorado River. The shuttles run 10 minutes apart to every stop so getting off and on is no problem. There is also a rim trail that runs the entire length so you can get off on one stop, walk to the next stop and pick up a shuttle again. We did that. Although we have been to the canyon several times, we have never seen this side of the park and it was well worth it. The number of views of the river alone were enjoyable, including several of the rapids. We even saw a rare view of rafts transversing the river.

After returning from our trek, we purchased a nice steak and cooked it over our fire using marshmallow roasting forks. It came out perfect, and with a shrimp cocktail appetizer, salad, and wine, made a delicious campfire dinner.