Day 11: Ooh Ahh…Thanks, Tomorrow

Heading to the Grand Canyon today felt full of hope, and potential failure. The kids are tired, the hikes so far have been excellent, and we were prepared for this National Treasure– one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World– to be the Disneyworld of National Parks. Either it would be epic and magical, or crowded and disappointing, depending on who you are and your experience. Even within a Car Full of Carpenters, it could go many ways. This is how it went, in photos:

I have always imagined the Grand Canyon as a must-see site for Americans, as a holy mecca for Earth-Enthusiasts. I never went as a kid, and (like Disneyworld, where I never went either!) it built up a mythical quality in my mind. Seeing it today was fulfilling and satisfying, and demystifying in a way. It is a well-made tourist attraction, to be sure, with ledge-edge photos being taken by the dozen. But the hike we took down South Kaibab Trail was a perfect way to enjoy it, thrilling and amazing and mesmerizing. I was overcome with wonder. And I want to hug the mother who followed us out of the canyon with her young, exhausted daughter who said to me, “Don’t worry, one day they will understand and appreciate it. Maybe 10 years?”

Winding up later at Flagstaff Brewing Company after literally wandering the streets in search of a restaurant to please a beyond-famished Ben was perfect serendipity (considering his initial request of “Just not a brewery. I’m tired of those.”) Sitting on the patio along the cute pedestrian road, we remarked on how much like home it felt. The historic architecture housing shop after bar after restaurant, the buskers and drummers, the murals, and the mid-sized mountain backdrop.

Bob and I could live here, but, according to the bartender who was very familiar with both places, the same boom-town problems exist. It was nice though, to feel like we entered a “sister-city” where the dogs and people are friendly, and furthermore, Candy Shops!