Canyonland and Back Tour: "A" Great Tour to a Grand View

Our destination today was to tour one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Grand Canyon. Our plan was to leave the hotel at 8:30 after breakfast and gassing up the Model A’s. Also joining us was Tom & Shawana Beadle from California. We hit the road and headed off for our 80 mile ride to the North Rim.

We were cruising along when Tom’s Model A started running rough and after stopping it appeared to be ignition. A little adjusting and it seemed to be fixed, but a short distant down the road it was back. So after 15 miles Tom & Shawna decided they would return to the hotel and bid us farewell.

We continued on and found the traffic light. We were cruising along, but noticed Don was having some problems climbing any hill. (This continued all the way to the Park.)

We turned onto RT 89A that would take us to the North Rim and right away the drive changed, from just driving on a road, to now cruising on a sylvan way that was very scenic. We had Ponderosa Pines and Aspens trees that made the ride really beautiful especially since the Aspen leaves had turn a beautiful gold and glowed in the sun. We came to huge pastures that warned of free range cattle, but we didn’t see any cows. But we did see Buffalo and as we were stopping to take pictures we could see a coyote eyeing the heard. As were taking the pictures an elk dashed across the field. Wow what a stop.

The rest of the trip we were looking for wildlife and saw Mule Deer, Turkeys, Horses (well with riders) and some cattle later in the day.

Entering the park we used our National Parks senior passes and saved $35 and continued on to the North Rim Visitor Center. The parking lot already had many Model A’s in it and we added to the total. We got a map of the park and headed out to absorb the beauty of the Canyon. We visited the Grand Canyon Lodge and admired the view from the patio area and then walked Bright Angel trail. All I can say is WOW. We had lunch and got ready to explore other areas of the park. BUT we had to fix Don’s car. We removed his air-maze filter and re-adjusted his GAV, which was not properly set. Boy what a difference. No more problem on hills.

We also got a chance to chat with Joop & Marlise and Wayne & Sue who were also visiting the canyon.

The rest of the day was sightseeing and just soaking in the beautiful weather and amazing views. We also kept crossing paths with Lou & Rose’s family who were touring the canyon but in a rental car. It was just by chance we would run into them, so that was a treat.

Before leaving the park we needed to get gas and the small station near the camp ground was all there was. The good news was the gas was corn (ethanol) free – boy do the Model A’s run so much better.

The return trip was uneventful and we arrived at the hotel after tour 200 miles today.
A short video: Grand Canyon at Angel's Window