I awoke the next day with some back pain. Later to find out it was probably from the sliding rocks, but a tiny bruise won't stop me from today's adventure! This was finally the day for the Grand Canyon and Route 66. I was certain to make this day unforgettable and I knew it was going to be special. Now here is a friendly warning that the images you are about to see in this post will strike you emotionally being captivated by earth's beauty.
We headed out for Williams, AZ to check out the shops on infamous Route 66. He left around mid-morning and got to Williams around noon. We started looking around at some shops and had to take a picture by the Route 66 road sign. My sister and I ended up getting some nice bracelets from a small shop and continue down the route.
We decided to quench our thirst and headed to Barrel Bottle House, brewery of Williams and tried some of the craft beers! I highly recommend trying Salt River Lager and Pineapple Opposable. My meal was a barbecue pulled pork sandwich which was to die for. Alongside the fries, needless to say it was an outstanding meal and we got to enjoy the sun while sitting on their deck.
We also decided to kill some more time and it up another brewery. The Grand Canyon Brewing Company was our pick and it was nestles in a huge red barn. There, I tried the Sunset Amber and Coffee Bean Stout. I recommend this place because the atmosphere of the brewery is unique and the interior is huge and well crafted...alongside their beer!
As we didn't want to loose the sun we headed out to the Grand Canyon. It was about an hours worth ride to the park and that is where we ran into some stormy weather. Right as we pulled into the parking lot it started down pouring and a thunderstorm was upon us. Hail came down and we were losing some fate that we'd be able to see the canyons today. But thankfully us Segulia's know how to pack for a road trip and had some drinks and snacks to wait out the storm. It lasted for about an hour and when it cleared up, the sun peaked through the sky and we knew this was a once in a lifetime moment approaching us.
The sky was appearing in different colors and clouds moved away and got light up by the sun. The vast shadows and color that appeared on the canyon in front of us was breathtaking and possibly more stunning than it would've been on an average sunny day. The wind was picking up and would make posing for pictures hard but was worth the wind struck hair. Walking along the South rim of the canyon took us about 45 minutes to take in its beauty. The mix of dark grey storm clouds and blue sky put us in a dreamlike state and to our right we'd see a rainbow appear for a picturesque view.
Just beyond that as the storm headed south, lightning would strike on top of a cliff far in the distance and as photographers grouped at the cliffs edge for their perfect picture, I rose higher than them to just take in the moment. The smell after the storm was tranquil as you let the wind blow through your hair and push against your body. It lures you to complete serenity and makes you appreciate life. Beauty. Nature. And God's Creations. You can sit up there for hours and contemplate life, reflect, just think and be whole. It is an amazing experience that is hard to find.
Pictures can't do it's majesty justice but it isn't about capturing its beauty, it's the memory that is linked behind it. The moment, that acts as a remembrance of this unforgettable day.
We probably;y could've sat atop the canyon's edge and watch the day go by. Always finding a new view to look and not get tired of its beauty. But alas we still had a drive to Page, AZ ahead of us and another storm approaching. So we headed out before dusk and stopped alongside the North rim for a few more pictures to try and capture the sun set in the canyon.
This was the best one I managed to capture but the sheer contrast of day to night was amazing and worth the stop. We drove down and out of the canyon watching the jagged mountains and valleys of the canyon dance around us. My parents were telling us about the native people who will set up shop alongside the road for leaving visitors, like us, heading out and getting some trinkets for keepsake. It was a long stretch to Page but the lightning show we watched that flashed in the sky around us was fun to experience. It would shadow the mountain. in front of them and make the long windy roads even more scarier. By nightfall we made it to our hotel and were super tired from our long day. My sister and I decided to head into the outdoor hot tub while it was still lightly drizzling outside and was a nice way to end our fourth big adventure of our trip. Tomorrow had a lot in store for us too, and I couldn't wait.