We left desert behind going through Flagstaff---lots of greenery there---and headed up Route 89. At that point, we had plenty of fuel, no need to fill up when the gauge was over half....
But little we did realize how desolate an area we would be going through. We went for miles through red, dusty land, with no towns and just an occasional stand by the side of the road where a Native American was selling pottery and jewelry.
Surely, we thought, there would be a gas station with diesel at the turn-off to Route 89A, going to Grand Canyon. But no. We went on for many more miles, through beautiful red rock formations, without towns, stores, or gas stations.
We finally reached Jacob Lake, the last town before one gets onto the 41-mile road that leads into North Rim. And there we filled the tank, putting in the largest amount of fuel so far on the trip, for the highest price.
On the way in:
So it was a stressful beginning to our time at North Rim. We found our site....which had a distinct downhill slope which was partially remedied by driving up on boards, but not completely.
In addition, in looking over the park regulations, we realized how limited Ranger would be during our stay.
Then the refrigerator would not start up on propane. (No electricity at this campground.)
It was still mid-afternoon, so we took Ranger on a walk of about 2+ miles along the one trail where dogs are permitted. It led to the Lodge and Visitors Center at Bright Angel Point. The parking lot was packed. People were all over. I was able to get a few photos without people stepping in front of me....
And Ranger was excited to see one of the local mule deer.
It did cool off nicely in the evening. However, our site was along the gravel road where every late-arriving camper traveled, so there was a series of headlights coming in, along with the crunching of gravel, right up until almost midnight.
Not one of our better days of camping!
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