Keeping Up with Rex and the Wedding Day

We were so pleased when Terry's, Uncle Rex, said he would join us for a visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  We had only been there once for a short visit.  Being there with him enabled us to see all of the Grand Canyon in 3 days.  I don't think we missed a single overlook, shuttle trip or museum in the South Side.  His energy kept us on the move from 7:30 am when he awaited us at his hotel to late afternoon each day.  The west Rim Drive requires bus travel only and the air conditioned buses were most comfortable for our trip out to Hermit's Rest View.

In the early year's of the tourist visitation, a horse back trip led to a tent camp in the trees above the river seen down below.  Mary Coulter designed a lodge here above which is now a gift shop and cafe.

We also enjoyed a wonderful IMAX movie about raft travel through the Canyon.  It was an amazing and 'gripping' experience.  Here's one of the steepest rapids in the world seen from an overlook on the rim.

We rested a day at Mather Campground after Rex left to catch our breath and reflect on what a wonderful time we had enjoyed together!

The next day we headed west to Oregon for our friend, Carlie's wedding.  We worked with Carlie for 3 years at Willamette Mission State Park. She was engaged while we were there and we had to return for her wedding on June 11.  Of course, it was held in Oregon's premier State Park, Silver Falls.  It was a lovely setting as you can see as the 'happy couple' walk to the reception shelter.

All the decor was handmade by Carlie and Craig and they raffled it for their honeymoon fund.  What a cool idea!  We both won Oregon tree branch tea light stands, moss included.

And how about the roaring fire in the fireplace behind the lovely couple!  It was a very cool Oregon day.  Terry and I were both happy to tend the fire and restock it!  Here's a close up look at our very special newly married friends!!

It was truly an event worth driving across country to share!!

Bumpy Road to the Grand Canyon

Our 'mobile mansion' is sitting beside the cabin as we 'rough it' this time out West.  Little did we know that we would both get awful colds on the way, I'd have multiple agonizing bites from a New Mexico creepy crawler, and the refrigerator would fail.  Sooo we were very thankful for some recovery time in a Rt. 66 Motel-The Sunset Inn- in Moriarity, NM. and finally a lovely campsite at the Grand Canyon.  The site was huge, peaceful, quiet and right next to a clean restroom.  Our campground was only a few miles from Uncle Rex's exceptionally nice Best Western and we actually arrived within minutes of each other!  We made an easy connect for a wonderful adventure together.

The next day we got an early morning start to travel 22 miles east to the Desert View Watchtower.  A structure designed and built about 1930 by Mary Coulter an architect for the Fred Harvey Company of the Santa Fe Railroad.  She was hired to further the connection with the Native Americans who had lived and worshipped in the Grand Canyon for centuries.  She traveled all over the Southwest to study Native architecture and the Watchtower is a structure similar to a square one we saw at Hovenweap NM in Colorado.  It is very famous for the detail in the stone structure.

The interior walls and ceiling are richly painted with Hopi symbols in brilliant colors.  Narrow stairs circle up to the top view deck.

Terry and Rex studied the light sconces made from pottery bowls.  There is almost too much to see!

After admiring the view from the top we had coffee and a snack at the shop.  It was beginning to get crowded so we drove back toward the Visitor Center and stopped to see a view of the river rapids.

There is an actual Native American village ruin and museum on this Drive.  Archeologists found very unusual split twig figures made from one twig. They can be viewed at the museum.

After a very full exciting first day on the South Rim, it was nice to return to our little Teardrop and the comfort of our own bed.  Doesn't it look great with the colorful quilt Jane made for Terry on it??!!

Our sweet and simple 'bed on wheels' gets much attention and we have lots of  'tours' to give each day.