2008.05 | Las Vegas, NV | Our First Cadillac Vacation

On Day 3, we drove out to the Grand Canyon.

Everyone should see the Grand Canyon once in their live. It's easily one of the most impressive sites in the world, and even a simple walk along the rim can help bring you a little perspective. Just walk up to the edge of any of the unprotected cliffs, take a long look down to the river below, and think about eons that it took for the Colorado River to carve its winding path to the ocean. If you still think that your problems amount to anything that approaches importance, you probably just need to stay a little longer.

It’s also surprisingly cold, particularly after having spent a couple of 90F plus days in Las Vegas and Death Valley. Naturally, we weren’t prepared for 45 degree weather (there was still spots of snow on the ground) and we were forced to buy matching sweat shirts from the gift shop. Can you say…tourists?

I was also surprised by the lack of barriers along the edge. It’s refreshing to see that we don’t need every cliff in the United States to be safely placed behind a fence and a giant disclaimer.

After a mile or two of strolling along the rim, we began to appreciate that sea level weaklings like us had no business doing anything strenuous at higher altitudes. We returned to the visitor center, inhaled some bad cafeteria food, and drove back to Las Vegas.