The Kingmas go on vacation in celebration of my 50th birthday, Mom and Dad's 52nd anniversary, and Dad's upcoming 75th birthday.
First evening at the North Rim. We arrived at dusk and missed sunset, but the new 5D MIII with the 14mm Rokinon proved fantastic for capturing the moon-lit canyon walls.
North Rim lodge
Only one other photographer was capturing the incredible sky at Bright Angel point.
Looking back up Transcept Canyon.
North Kaibab Canyon
The Bright Angel Trail at the North Rim is paved! It is steep in several areas and at 8100' elevation, I was breathing heavy returning to the cabin from my night shoot.
Our family stayed in a rim-side Pioneer Cabin. Check out this website to make your 2013 reservations: http://grandcanyonforever.com/lodging/
The North Rim facilities are much more intimate than the South Rim.
The dining room is lovely and the food was great!
View of the South Rim from the North Rim Lodge porches
On our first full day, we all loaded into the Explorer and headed off to find Sublime Point. This was noted on my Canyon Map, but not in any of the literature provided by the park nor was there a sign on the main road at the turn-off... We soon learned why....
After descending down a rutty steep rocky road, Dad made the executive decision to turn around.
This was an excellent photo spot. The high alpine meadows are so lovely!
Dad kept his 50D snapping and let me use our shared 5D the entire trip.
Look at that form!! Keep in mind that Dad turns 75 this winter.
After snapping away, we decided to try going on as the road was nice and easy at this point.
Turkeys!
Use of the 250mm on the T3i brought the wild turkeys a little closer.
At this point, an adventuresome couple in a Tundra was returning from their quest for the point. They had turned around due to rocks and mud (their truck was covered), so we also turned around for real.
Heading back to safer pastures.
We headed to Point Imperial for some east rim canyon views.
Thanks to Robin for the snaps using the D5MIII.
Our lovely parents!
