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In A Canyon, Not A Cavern

 Grand Canyon visit, May 4, 2021

One Canyon, Many Peoples


Above is a graphic of the tribes of the Grand Canyon, which has been home to humans for 13,000 years.

Below is a list of the associated tribes of the grand canyon, taken from the national park service website (linked above). I've included links to the tribe sites. Each of these websites has COVID-19 information on the landing page, but persevere and take a look beyond that. I've linked to a couple of constitutions also.

Pandemic Plusses

Zero waiting for horrifically popular destinations like the Grand Canyon; zero crowds when you get there! Peak season for Grand Canyon is June-August, but one would expect crowds in any 'normal' May. Happily, there was no waiting at all to get in, plenty of parking, and very few people. Warned that parking fills by 11 am, I woke up EARLY and arrived around 9:30. (It strikes me that visiting something as beautiful as Grand Canyon National Park and focusing on parking is a very American thing to do.) Less trash! Less noise!

Trade-Offs

Very limited bus service means your choice is driving to outlooks; limited restrooms open; no gift shop/bookstore. Sad about the bookstore, but not the gift shop.

It's QUIET and indescribable

Despite Americans doing their best talking in 'normal tones' (full blast), the canyon was QUIET when the humans zipped it momentarily. I can't describe it and my pictures don't do it justice. It smelled good, it sounded good, and it's nicely kept up. I can't say I approve of the amount of driving within the park, as the views are dependent upon clean air, and clean air in general is just a good idea. I suggest mandatory busses. You're welcome.


Do not be influenced by scarcity issues

Plagued by 'buffet mentality'* and scarcity issues, I noticed myself starting to think that 'more is better' and felt the need to drive to another outlook. Suddenly, a trip that I hadn't even intended on making wasn't good enough and I felt like I should do more and see more. I just let myself notice that thought and decided, heck, I'm sure it's beautiful to drive 44 miles up and back but I can't really justify polluting, and I don't have the energy for potential traffic jams. A beautiful walk on the canyon's rim was enough! I said goodbye to it and continued on to Albuquerque, which I can now spell without any assistance.

*This is a rare condition in which a person (me) feels the need to eat before  going to a buffet or potluck because of an irrational fear that there will not be enough food FOR ME.

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