Dates visited: December 2024
As far as road trips go, my visit to the Grand Canyon was beyond memorable. This adventure was a spur of the moment trip that I took with my brother, Joe, who is probably my favorite person in the world outside of my kids. Actually, there’s no “probably” about it. It’s a sin to lie and all that.
My oldest son and his partner joined us on the trip. Him being able to join us was a “rare spawn” event, and it meant a lot to me to be able to have that time with him. His joining us was a crucial part of the plan: my son drove my brother & I (with Juno squished in there as well!) to go pick up his new truck in Texas. Once the new truck was picked up around Houston, we headed to Little Rock to pick up his new trailer. And from there? A convoy straight to the Grand Canyon!
On the way, we stopped and enjoyed one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever eaten: El Patio de Albuquerque’s adovada stuffed sopapillas. I still dream of this meal to this day. Juno was so well behaved on that patio. She is always the best girl.
Once at the Grand Canyon, we were able to stay onsite. It was winter, and a week before Christmas, so the campground was empty. And cold! And also around the time that “unidentified drones” were being reported across the country. We spent one night on the edge of the canyon, staring at the stars, freezing to the bone and scaring ourselves silly anytime we saw something suspect.
What can I say about the Grand Canyon? It’s stunning. It’s an icon. It’s a testament to time and dogged determination. I have a great appreciation for the boundless number of years that it must have taken for the canyon to be carved so spectacularly by the steadfast river below. It is a leviathan, this geological marvel that dares you to look your own mortality in its face and cower before its longevity. The moving highlights of everchanging hue painting the canyon as the sun moved through the sky was breathtaking, and I wanted to plant my feet on the valley below and get lost in its timelessness. As such, I wish I had been in better health (and had more time) to be able to actually hike the canyon. Without the change of perspective that comes with marching into the belly of the beast, one is tempted to dismiss the Grand Canyon as “just a big hole in the ground”. Well, not me. But definitely someone in our traveling party that I shall not name, but I will forever side-eye. And it wasn’t Juno.
“Big hole in the ground” or not, I’m glad I got to see check this one off my bucket list. And I got to see it with my son.
Before heading home, we visited Sedona. We arrived late at night and left early the next morning, so I wasn’t able to get too many pictures, but the views were unforgettable. I definitely would love to revisit it one day and explore the area thoroughly.
Just not in December.
Above: Grand Canyon
Above: Sedona (Rancho Sedona RV Park)
Above: Sunset on the way to Sedona
For more photos, check out my Gallery or head to my brother’s instagram: jhankinsmedia. He is a phenomenal photographer and loves shooting wildlife in our beautiful parks. He also takes amazing pics of my pups, Juno & Willow.
Health & Happiness 