North Rim Grand "Edventure" for Labor Day

We offered Kennis and Tavin several grand "edventure" options for Labor Day and they opted for the Grand Canyon (North Rim).  An early departure got us there in time for a full day of "edventuring".  First stop was Jacob's Lake for an assortment of cookies (a 6:30 am breakfast leaves your starving by 10:30 am) which were delectable as usual.  Bright Angel overlook  was our next stop - we spotted condors along the way there.  We explored the grounds, Lodge and Visitor's Center and then we were hungry again and ate lunch at a pull out overlooking the canyon.  Then it was off to the Kaibab Trail.  We hiked down as far as the Supai Tunnel to get the feel for how quickly the canyon gets very deep.  On the way out we were really feeling that elevation change. After that was a visit to "Uncle Jim's" cave.  We decided it would be an OK place to live for a little while with a little bit of tidying up and maybe a wood stove to keep things toasty. Then we drove over to the Cape Royal Overlook, enjoyed Angel's Window and the interpretive trail and the grand views of the canyon and the Colorado River. The weather was perfect with just a few sprinkles here and there while we were at the canyon.  Surprisingly, there wasn't much of a crowd.  Too soon our departure time arrived.  Back to Jacob's Lake to pick up sandwiches and more cookies.  We dined at a rest stop with the stone shelter keeping us dry during a rain shower.  Then it was back to St. George in time for bed.  Kennis and Tavin were appreciate, cooperative, energetic, hungry, a bit sugar high, full of laughter, easily entertained company.  It was a grand day and we were so pleased they could come along and make it so much fun for us.  

The trail head is at 8250 ft. and Supai Tunnel is at 6800 ft. - that is a 1450 foot elevation change in the 2 miles down to it.  The kids were champs and people kept commenting how great they were doing as they left them behind in the dust.  

Horned toads were a fun extra here.

Grand views with grand company!

We forgot to get  an entrance picture on the way in, so we took one on the way out.  Kennis had teeth of many colors during the day as she consumed Fun Dip packets.  Cheetos also added color to her smile.