Our day started with a quick trip to the tire store. I had known for some time that there was a screw embedded in our front tire, so I figured I should get it fixed! Sure enough, when the screw was removed, "hissssss".
We spent our day exploring the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The weather is great, clear air, temps in the low 70s. We went through two major fire areas. Just north and around Jacob Lake resort was the Magnum fire from just a few weeks ago. It covered a very large area and even caused the resort to be evacuated....now! The resort survived but they had to replace all their hotel bedding due to smoke. But they are back in business, including their world famous cookies!
Just south of Jacob Lake we went through a fire zone from 2006. What was interesting was to learn that the aspen trees are the first to recover. In fact, fire is good for them since their habitat has been stressed by climate change.
The fall foliage today was spectacular! Can't explain why it was much better than yesterday, even though the elevation was about the same. The highest point today was about 8800 feet.
We also saw a herd of bison in the park; never knew they lived here!
The Grand Canyon Lodge is located at the end of the road. Due to the coronavirus, just like all the national parks, the lodge is closed (looked like cabins were open) and the only food was take-out from the saloon. We remembered the fine meal we had years ago in their dining room with the view. The pizza we had for lunch today was actually decent! I hiked the short, but steep, Bright Angel trail from the lodge.
From the lodge area we drove back to the road up to Cape Royal and went as far as the Roosevelt viewpoint. Just as spectacular as the last view!
We were back in Kanab a little after six. We had two restaurants on our list to try but both had long wait times. So, we went back to the Iron Horse Saloon for a second round. Excellent.
Tomorrow we head over to Zion N.P. Its only 30 miles from here.
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