Simon had been to the Grand Canyon, but Susan had not. The South Rim was on our schedule, but with the change in our itinerary in Month Two, we now had the option to fit in the North Rim as well. Could we make it happen from 156 miles away? You know we could!
Donkey’s years ago (“a long time ago” for our U.S. readers), Simon visited the South Rim during his first trip to the States. We had heard the North Rim was pretty special, and much less crowded. While it would be a very long day, we agreed to make the trip, reckless vagabonds that we are!
Our dear friend Richard recommended a stop at Little Hollywood Land in Kanab on the way to the North Rim, for its Western movie props. Simon was all in; he absolutely loves that sort of thing.
Little Hollywood is as kitschy as it comes. Homespun, quirky, it’s a curiosity for those who don’t know the old Westerns well, and if the AARP-aged man visiting with his son and pointing out all the little details is anything to go by, it’s a delight for those who do.
Some of the movie location props we saw were:
The backdrop for Kenny Loggins Live from the Grand Canyon concert in 1991
The barn and homestead sets used in the Clint Eastwood movie, Outlaw Josey Wales
And many more, along with a smattering of atmosphere props
The drive to the Grand Canyon felt like it took forever once we left Kanab. This is pretty much what we saw the whole way:
But once we arrived, the WPM (Wows Per Minute) cranked right up. We took the advice of previous visitors and made the drive from the entry straight to the end of the scenic road, then drove back and stopped at the overlooks, which were now on the right-hand side of the road, saving us from having to cross traffic to get to them.
It was the right decision. There was some pretty dicey roadway those last four miles, with big drop-offs and no guard rails, so it was better to get that over with quickly so that Susan could enjoy the rest of the visit.
Again, it’s impossible to get the scale. You’ll see people part-way into this video, which helps give some perspective.
The “mood” of the canyon changes, depending on how the light hits it, and this has always been something that intrigues me (Susan). Some might say I relate to “moody,” but that’s a discussion for another time.
Simon scampered around the park like a squirrel on a mission, taking all the narrow pathways and leaning out over all the railings, and as part of his exploration he discovered a room inside the lodge where guests staying at North Rim check in for their accommodation.
The room had huge windows overlooking the canyon, and while it was right on the edge of a drop-off, like most overlooks are, he took me by the hand when I returned from getting Ruthie settled in the car with some water, and said, “Come see this.” I’m SO grateful for that loving gesture, which gave me a view with a sense of safety.
On the way out of the park we were treated to a wildlife sighting, which capped off the day just right.
We had two more major National Park experiences coming up, and one unexpected mini canyon. While it was nowhere near as grand as the Grand Canyon, the emotional impact of little Parowan Gap would prove immense.
Veness Travel Media 
WOW…..I’m still trying to find my breath as my mouth is still a gap!! The sights and depth are far more exhilarating than I am imagining them to be. Thank you for taking me an adventure!! Safe travels 🤩
LikeLike
You got the feeling we had, then! The sheer size of it is absolutely astonishing. Even being there, it’s hard to wrap your brain around how deep and how big it really is.
Thank you for following along, and for commenting!
LikeLike
The GC is one of those places that truly deserves the word Grand! I was lucky to visit a few years back but my first memory was visiting in 1972. One thing I find hard to describe is that you can literally not see it coming as it’s below you. I remember walking uk this incline as a 10 year old and thinking wow! That’s a hole. I also wondered what they old settlers thought when they got to the edge? Probably turn round? The time zone switching is all quirky. I’m glad you seem to have enjoyed Kanab it’s certainly is a quirky place. Looking forward to the next place.
LikeLike
You’re absolutely right that the canyon takes you by surprise. One minute you’re walking through a forested area or along a pathway, the next moment the land just drops away, several thousand feet down. It’s spectacular.
We’re like you; we keep thinking about what these places looked like to the pioneers. And with the Grand Canyon, it’s not even like you could see a way around it. It’s just too big!
Thank you for commenting!
LikeLike
The canyon can never measure up in a picture and it truly awe inspiring. Loved little Hollywood. A great stop for film buffs
LikeLike
Little Hollywood was a mini sentimental journey for Simon. You know he loves his films!
LikeLike
I have very fond memories of the Grand Canyon although we only saw the South Rim. The North Rim was closed due to snow. I love how the change of light uses the Grand Canyon as its canvas. My favourite was the colours just before dusk.
LikeLiked by 1 person