Ooooh Ahhhhhh (Point, that is)

One of the shorter hikes down into the Grand Canyon is on Kaibab Trail.   Two main trails lead to the bottom of the canyon .. Bright Angel and Kaibab.  We had been invited by Patty's co-workers to hike down about a mile to Ooh Ahh Point one evening, but we opted to make an early start Thursday morning instead.  Loaded up with enough water and food to last us 4-5 days, we took off on our 3 hour adventure!!!  Again, we were breaking the rules and heading into the "bus only" entrance, thinking that as in the past, this meant locals too.  Dan informed us later that this time we COULD have gotten in trouble, since here you need a sticker on your vehicle to park.  As we ascended down the trail, we came upon a mule that had collapsed and did not survive.  More on that later.  All around the rim the Yucca are in full seed.

Heading down below the rim, this is a very steep gravel-slippery trail.  Still, I can see myself trail running ... well, downhill anyway!

Everywhere you look are fantastic vistas with amazing colors.  Thankfully this trail is in the shade all morning long.

When we got to the Point, there were truly lots of Oooohs, Ahhhhs and Wows!  Not only from us, but from everyone who came hiking by.  I tried to talk Patty into moving out to the edge, but she would have none of it.  Smart girl!!!

I Love This Place!!!!

Course we weren't there five minutes when the local squirrel family showed up to check out our backpacks.  Knowing that they can carry many awful diseases, including plague, we not only kept our distance, but tried to shoo them away.  No such luck ...  He's chewing on Patty's walking stick!!!

I mentioned the mule above ... on our way back to the top, the helicopter came to lift the mule out of the canyon.  Although I got several images, I've chosen to only show the helicopter kicking up tons of dust.   We surmised what happened using our best forensic investigative skills on our return climb ...  Should you get hurt in the canyon, a similar helicopter will airlift you from the canyon for around $7,000.00.

Tonight will be another magnificent sunset due to the tropical storm coming in from Mexico.  Patty and I will be there with bells on!!