North Rim | FabGrandma

Would You Be Scared Of These Wild Buffalo?

August 17, 2011 By Fab Grandma 3 Comments

When we came back from town today, back home to the North Rim, the beefalo were out there again, on the side of the road. Today, some were walking in the road, some were just standing there on the side of the road, and others were in the meadow on both sides of the road. Most of the tourists were just stopping to take pictures, but I had groceries to put away. FabGrandpa slowed down to a crawl and just kept going. These two bad boys just stared and grunted at us. I wouldn’t want to be walking, that is for sure….

This beefalo was staring at me!

It was so close I could have touched it!

Filed Under: Arizona, North Rim

They’re Beefalo, Not Buffalo

August 10, 2011 By Fab Grandma 10 Comments

They whole herd was out in the meadow this morning when we left to go to town. They aren’t buffalo–they’re beefalo.

There are about a hundred beefalo in the herd.

And they’re not native to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Sometime in the early 1900′s two ranchers in the House Rock Valley area tried to create a hybrid herd of animals that are a cross between cows and buffalo.

They were trying for a better meat product. Their experiment failed for their purposes, but the hybrid herd has survived.

That one looks mean!

They spend the winter months down in the desert around House Rock Valley, but in the summer they migrate up the Kaibab Plateau looking for water and grasses for food.

These guys look like they're about a year old.

They occasionally spend a few days in the meadows along Hwy 67 on the way into the park.They have been hanging out there all week.They are traffic stoppers for sure, because sometimes they just stand in the road.

They spend a lot of time just laying around too.

A mother and baby beefalo

Filed Under: Arizona, General, North Rim Tagged With: beefalo, bison, buffalo, north rim

Stormy Weather

July 5, 2011 By Fab Grandma 1 Comment

Yesterday at the Grand Canyon, the sky turned dark and omnious:

North Rim 4th of July Sky

There was a lot of lightening, and some very loud thunder, hail, and then lots of rain. We were hoping for rain, because it has been so dry here. While much of Arizona is burning, luckily we haven’t had a fire here this year. A fire ban was put into place last week, so that campfires are no longer allowed in our campground. While a lot of people may have been disappointed because they couldn’t have a fire, the fire ban would not have become necessary if there had been more rain.

North Rim Grand Canyon 4th of July

Fortunately for me, it did not rain until I got home from work. FabGrandpa was in the process of lighting the charcoal grill so we could cook out. When the rain came, we moved the picnic table under the awning, and continued with our plans, and enjoyed the rain while it lasted. There is more rain in the forecast for this week:

Rain is forecast everyday this week

July in Arizona is typically the start of the monsoon season, and this year, we really need the rain. Arizona has six national forests, and with such dry weather, the threat of wildfires is great. Let’s hope we get the rain we need, and lots of it.

Filed Under: North Rim

Happy 4th of July, Y’all!

July 4, 2011 By Fab Grandma 2 Comments

While the 4th of July means going to a parade, going camping, spending the day at the lake, or just cooking out in the backyard with friends and family to most of you, my day will be spent in uniform, at the entrance station to one of the most beautiful national parks in this country. I love that living in the United States means that I can choose to live full time in an RV is want to, and that I can work at this gorgeous place. Even if it means I have to work on the holiday, so be it.

the canyon in all her glory!

and because I work here, of course I get to live here for 6 months out of the year. Here is my backyard:

Looking out my kitchen window!

And there were people who thought I was crazy to want to live this life!

Filed Under: Life on the road, North Rim Tagged With: Arizona, Grand Canyon, north rim

Breakfast Out

June 16, 2011 By Fab Grandma 3 Comments

We decided to go to the North Rim Lodge for breakfast this morning. They have a gluten free menu since last year. I ordered the gluten free pancakes with eggs and bacon. These pancakes were soooo goood!

Gluten free pancakes at the North Rim Lodge

This was the first time since April 2007 that I have been able to order pancakes at a restaurant. I know that doesn’t sound like a big thing to other people, but to me? Heaven! Those pancakes were delicious.

After breakfast, I walked out on the back porch of the lodge to take a few pictures. Yes, this is my fourth season working her, but I don’t have enough picutures yet, OK?

NOrth Rim Grand Canyon view from the back porch of the lodge

It was a bit smoky out there today from the fire over in Flagstaff, but still, it was a beautiful day!

More canyon

Lots of people come and sit in those chairs and watch the sunset on the back porch of the lodge.

Grand Canyon North Rim

and one more:

Grand Canyon view at the North Rim Lodge

I still feel like I have to pinch myself sometimes to believe I get to work here. Ah, fate!

Filed Under: North Rim Tagged With: Arizona, Gluten Free, north rim

First Barbecue Of The Season

June 15, 2011 By Fab Grandma 1 Comment

The view from our picnic table--it was truly Grand!

Yesterday was my and FabGrandpa’s “Friday”, the last work day before two days off. Since it was a gorgeous afternoon, we decided to get out the grill and eat outside. Our friend, Terry, came over, and we had a “grand” time just hanging out.

He was having a really good time!

I cooked up some country style pork ribs, mashed potatoes, and baked beans, while we had a couple of beers and a weeee tiny bit of tequila. Cause you know it was Friday! And while I totally forgot to take pics of the food, I did get a great shot of just the day: