Our Dam Vacation: Grand Canyon

The drive from our Hoover Dam hotel to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 90 minutes. Half of the trip is on the interstate, but the rest of the drive is on beat-up roads with speed limits that vary from 55 to 25 to 45 mph with no discernible reason. The scenic mountain views more than made up for the speed traps, and driving through a forest of Joshua trees was a new experience.

The park opens at 9:00, and we were among the first to arrive. It was a relief to see some cars in the parking lot because I didn't see any other cars going our direction. For awhile I was worried that Covid had closed this part of our vacation, too, and we would arrive at a locked gate.

Here's Char pointing out the unofficial "Dog Rock." (It looks more like a dog in person.)

Eagle Point needs no pointer.

The star of the show is the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Cameras are not allowed on the exhibit, so this isn't my picture.

It is a bit unnerving but also thrilling to walk on the glass floor and see the earth 4,000 feet below your feet. Char was a good sport, but I could tell this was not her favorite thing to do. She was more than ready to get off the Skywalk and browse the gift shop. Items personalized with the name "Charlotte" are getting easier and easier to find.

Char ended up with an oversized hoodie which is exactly what she wanted. What she didn't want was to stay at the Grand Canyon much longer. She was frustrated to discover that the tour bus had another stop to make.

Her attitude changed when we arrived at Guano Point. Climbing rocks is one of Char's favorite things to do. When she saw the mount of rocks that created “Highpoint Hike” she said, "Ohhh. I want to climb that!" 

Daphne replied, "I think we should!" And they were off. 

Here they are at the top. 

I also made the climb. The 360-degree view from up there is quite a sight.

Char would've given the Grand Canyon 4 out of 10 before Guano Point, "It was pretty boring for me." After climbing the rocks, she bumped her score to 11 out of 10. "it was sooo much fun!" Really, that's all a parent can hope for.