Seemingly, Canada has its own anti-vaccination mob, which is about as courteous as our homegrown types. At least they aren't as likely to be armed.

Also, fwiw, it also seems that there are fake testing sites. They offer tests, but they aren't reliable. From what I read, it sounds like it's a data harvesting operation. oh joy

I've only been once, and it was 30 years ago and not during a pandemic. (And in the spring, so the mules and bike rentals etc were all open.)

It has been that long since we were there. I wanted to do the mules, but DH was way over the size limit, and I was quite obviously very pregnant so neither of us were allowed. I really want to go back and hike, during appropriate weather of course.

I'm taking my family to the Grand Canyon over President's Day weekend. With the caveat that almost everything is closed (because winter and also Covid), anyone have recs for must-see things, easy hikes, good food?

The pie at Pine Country Restaurant in Williams is worth the stop.

Bright Angel is a pretty easy way to dip into the canyon without committing to a more difficult hike. Even just going down to the Upper Tunnel (< 100 ft elevation, maybe 5 flights of stairs?) gives you a better perspective than staying on the rim. Of course, you can go down as far as you like, but the tunnel is an obvious turnaround point so you don't go down so far you can't climb out.

Bright Angel is a pretty easy way to dip into the canyon without committing to a more difficult hike. Even just going down to the Upper Tunnel (< 100 ft elevation, maybe 5 flights of stairs?) gives you a better perspective than staying on the rim. Of course, you can go down as far as you like, but the tunnel is an obvious turnaround point so you don't go down so far you can't climb out.

We did Bright Angel the last time I was there - one of our family's more notorious "Daddy Forced March" hikes as I remember. (My youngest sibling was just barely 4 at the time which only added to the fun.)

Anyway I will DEFINITELY be forcing my own kids to reenact it because I'm that kind of Mom.

whew. Today is my early day ( I am a 34 hr/week employee) and I just logged off without even giving warning to anyone. I was already committed to doing the bare minimum today as it is my WFH day and am exhausted with people's nonsense.

feels good.

Good for you, msbelle!

The first time I went to the Grand Canyon with my family in 1976 we flew into it in one of those little propeller planes. I don't think that's legal anymore. I think the last time was when I was driving to Louisiana by myself (and two cats and a snake but they did not help drive) and I just drove forever to get to the parking lot and overlook and just stood there for a while enjoying it before going on to find somewhere I could spend the night. Worth it, but hardly the recommended practice. I should go when I'm not on my way somewhere else some time.

Timelies all!

Mr. S had a bad day overall. Behaved badly in the morning, behaved badly at school, etc. He claims he didn't take his meds, though I know Gary gave them to him.

In better news, my folks have found a place in Florida for my mom. Now they just have to figure out getting there.(My mom can't walk on her own or with a walker.)

Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon are freaking spectacular and you aren't going to run into places like them anywhere else so perfect for some Forced Family Fun that fits into the Southwest theme of the trip but every stop is different. It's all outdoors-y and easy to reach.

(Um, can I join your family for this vacation?)

Today is my early day ( I am a 34 hr/week employee) and I just logged off without even giving warning to anyone.

Good for you!

Thank you to everyone who sent me cards and messages, and the DoorDash gift card. I really appreciate all of it, and knowing that you're thinking of me and my family.