Thursday, November 12, 2009

November 10th - Grand Canyon National Park











Carolina’s Notes
I woke up and got showered and dressed. I like being able to shower in my facilities but there are challenges. The RV’s bathroom isn’t a full size bathroom but I’m glad I have it. Anyway while I was struggling to get myself ready to get moving to The Grand Canyon National Park, Tony was unhooking the RV and preparing breakfast as well as lunch for the journey to The Grand Canyon National Park. The ride there was nice. We got to Trailer Village campground that is located in The Grand Canyon National Park and we wasted no time with hooking up. Tony interviewed the ranger checking him in on what sights to see. Tony received great information. Despite my challenges getting ready, I was so excited because the plans made sounded great and I was ready for fun.

We took the free shuttle to most of the South Rim’s hot spots. There are three main routes; they are Hermits Rest Route; Village Route; and Kaibab Trail Route. There is quiet a lot of ground to cover in these areas and we did what we could to see all the best attractions. Some of the highlights visited were Yaki Point, Pipe Creek Vista, Mather Point, Canyon View Information Plaza, Yavapai Observation Station, Mather Amphitheater, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point. I’m unsure if I named all the spots.

I was doing well most of the day. Seriously, I was so proud of myself soaking in the sights. I had times when my heart would race because of the trails (I just had to keep a fair distance from the rails) and Tony’s need to want to rock climb today. Yes call me Mrs. Kiljoy but I don’t know how to drive the RV and I don’t want anything to happen to Tony. I was staying in my comfort areas but we wanted to get a lot of exercise. There was a point when we were going from Village Route to Hermits Rest Route where my system went into overload. Yeap, Defcon 5 was happening. I was crying and Tony was doing what he knew what to do to get me to the next bus station so we could shuttle. Well needless to say, things were tense from that point going forward. Despite the meltdown, we got to see sunset where Tony had planned. We finished our tour and shuttled back to the campground. I was still feeling lousy from the tension after the meltdown. Tony was hoping that I could just put it behind us. After some more words, Tony and I decided to just try to relax the rest of the evening. We plan on watching sunrise tomorrow so we need a good night’s rest.

As I reflect on my meltdown, I feel TOTAL regret that I didn’t know what was approaching for me between routes. I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever lick this fear. I hate yes HATE that this has a hold over me. I could have hiked that trail had it been wider like the other ones traveled. The trail I freaked on had a steep incline but not any steeper than when I use a treadmill to exercise. It’s not just that; it is also the shame I feel when Tony has to say, “Please stop crying people are coming and you don’t want them to hear you.” The way Tony handled the situation today made me feel like he has been numbed to my panic attacks; along with having a knowing that I am actually WEAKENED by these experiences. It cuts right down to heart and soul of me. Not to mention the panic only promotes tension between Tony and me. Right now, I just want to do a shot of Jack Daniels and go to bed and cry myself to sleep. I’ve traveled through eleven states on this trip and I panicked today like in the Badlands. I felt good most of the journey through The Grand Canyon National Park only to get beat by one short narrow trail. I am just feeling very low. I’ve always considered myself to be a strong person but when I panic then I feel weak. It has been a hard pill to swallow. I’ll end this day saying my prayers tonight that God will give me the strength to overcome.

Tony’s Notes
Despite Carolina’s meltdown on the Rim Trail, we really did have an awesome day. The Grand Canyon was quite spectacular. It is great having a campsite right in the park. The shuttle service picks us up within 100 feet of our RV and takes us all along the South Rim.

We hiked at least eight of the twelve mile trail. We wanted to get to one end of the trail to watch the sunset. It truly was spectacular. If we could get a decent internet connection, we would upload a whole bunch of pictures. At every RV Park we travel, they almost all have free Wi-Fi. However, in most cases the Wi-Fi signal is weak or is monitored and manages how much bandwidth you can use. Usually it is a challenge checking emails, and even worse trying to post anything on Facebook or uploading images to our Blog. This is why we always seem to spend some of our days sitting in a public library somewhere, or a coffee shop, where we can get a better connection. It gets to be a bit frustrating because they offer the service; therefore, I feel it is something I am paying for as part of my RV hookup nightly fee. Our current average in the past 78 days has been $30 per night. This average includes a night in a hotel for $132; however, some RV Parks have been close to $60 per night, and those are the ones that sometimes have the least service.

My cell phone service is through Verizon. I probably should have bought one of their ‘Wi-Fi Anywhere’ services or an air card to use for our internet connectivity on the road. If we are to find short term income on the road, we need this connectivity.

Anyway, the Grand Canyon was fantastic. One day, I would like to return and hike to the river, camp a night, and hike back up the next day. I will not be able to do this with Carolina, but it is something I will need to do for myself.

We had a great day, and we also have a nice evening meal. We cooked all of our own food and went one whole day without spending any cash; that was a first.

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