We arrived at Grand Canyon about 10PM, so we couldn't really see any of it when we were coming in. It was great though in retrospect as we saw a mile-long line of people waiting to get into the entrance the next day.
We had a couple great fires, s'mores, naps, and other relaxing times at Grand Canyon. We saw large elk and of course large rock formations. It was huge, so big I'm not really sure how to think about it. It was giant and magnificent, and every steep cliff we observed descended into a bigger steep cliff. Everything around the park smelled so good, the pine, the sage, the smoke. And as big as the canyon was, it was huge and silent. We enjoyed getting out along the parkway to see different views of the park. We found some ruins of ancient people and enjoyed thinking about the ways they must have lived off the mountain. I also found some great beers in the market at Grand Canyon Village and I just went and really drank them.
Just less than an hour after our departure ("the leave"), the trailer bounced off the hitch. I don't know if it was because of bumps, or maybe I forgot to hitch it securely, I'm not sure. Either way, luckily the chains kept the camper attached to the van, and although there was some damage, it could've been WAAAY worse.
Our super long drive to Joshua Tree / Riverside was great, hot, 111 degrees, and through the desert. I can't even believe there are such huge areas completely devoid of people, telephone poles, cars, or anything remotely human - miles and miles of nothingness, just sand and shrubbery, and heat, oh, and also us. We did read a little soliloquy at Joshua Tree about how the desert is perfect for plant life - no plants are crowded. Each one is planted and has space around it to breathe, and to shine. Just about the only areas inhabited by people we saw were old Route 66 towns still honoring their cherished history and former glory days.
Finally the best part of my day was of course visiting the Cabazon dinosaurs from Pee Wee's Big Adventure. It was dark but that's ok, it was also dark in the movie when he visited them so it made it more realistic.
