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I have been waiting ever so patiently to get to writing about this destination. As part of our honeymoon adventure in Las Vegas in 2012, we decided to add on an overnight trip to The Grand Canyon and Sedona, Arizona. This was my first trip to The Grand Canyon, but not the first for Micah – so he really wanted me to see it since we were going to be so close.
We packed up early one morning and headed out from Las Vegas to see the beast of a landmark in person. We crossed over Hoover Dam. Even though it was like 7:00 a.m., it was already starting to warm up so much! Gotta love the desert! The Dam itself is pretty impressive, though you can see the waters at Lake Mead weren’t at their finest levels.
Getting closer to the canyon, we stopped in Williams, AZ for some lunch and browsing, because we have to eat right? We had some yummy wraps at the Red Raven before reaching our destination.
I still can’t believe it when I look at the photos that we drove into a giant summer monsoon. That big, gray cloud looming in the distance? Yeah…we headed straight for it. Was it a good idea? Probably not!
We were ahead of the stormy monster…at least at first. I got my first peek at the giant crevice in the earth and was pretty much in awe at the enormity of it. We drove along the rim for about a good two hours, stopping to take photos at different spots a long the way…when low and behold, the monsoon reared its nasty head around the corner.
Lightning started striking. You think you are safe, but apparently lightning can strike from miles away!!! We kept running out to take pictures and run back to the car really fast to avoid death by lightning. Smart right? We also tried getting a lightning shot, but to no avail.
By the time we got to the point known as The Watchtower, we were stuck in a full downpour. We ran from the car to the gift shop (like many other travelers that day) and were pretty soaked. After purchasing my magnet (because, yes, I am one of those awesomely cool magnet collectors), we were ready to leave…but lightning was striking in the parking lot! Ummm, no thanks. Husband thought we could make a run for it but I said nay nay.
We survived our quick drive by of The Grand Canyon, thankfully, and got some unique photos with the monsoon chasing us. First National Park visit together – check!
Anyone else out there in the blogosphere have any cool Grand Canyon stories?
Thank you! I guess it was a unique way to see the Grand Canyon?
Wow, that was a “risky” trip. Haha. The photos are amazing!