Hello, atmospheric optics! The sun emits white light, however, as the sunlight passes through the atmosphere during sunrise or sunset times, long-wavelength (red) light is scattered less than short-wavelength (blue) light. Therefore, red-ish colored light reaches the observer’s eyes and clouds aid to the pink color that could be observed.

Respiratory Infections Update

Please stay home if you are not feeling well!

• Respiratory illnesses such as flu, RSV, and COVID are on the rise in the Grand Canyon community and throughout Coconino County as many return to work and school after the holidays.

• The CDC has recently shared some red flag symptoms of respiratory illness. If you are experiencing breathing issues, high fever, dizziness, or confusion, you should seek immediate medical care.

• It is important to take the time now to get your recommended vaccinations to reduce your risk of serious illness. You can also protect yourself with preventive actions (such as good hand hygiene, wearing masks, and staying home if you’re sick) and seek medical advice if you have symptoms.

• A new FREE national program to assess and treat COVID from the comfort of your home has launched from the National Institutes of Health. No insurance or appointments necessary – go to https://www.test2treat.org/ for additional information.

Rim Trail detour near Bright Angel Lodge beginning January 22

Beginning Monday, January 22, there will be a detour on the Rim Trail around the Bright Angel Lodge as construction crews continue to work on the Transcanyon Waterline project. Red fencing will direct visitors around the lodge and the Arizona Steakhouse, the Bright Angel Fountain, and the Bright Angel Lodge will remain open.

More information can be found on the park’s construction project webpage here.

We said “see you soon”, “happy trails” and thank you to Louis and Sonya Rowe this week. Both retired at the end of 2023 and came back to the South Rim for one last hug and piece of cake. If you find yourselves in Oro Valley, you just might run into them in their new home.

Congratulations to both on your successful careers and spending the past 3 years with us at Grand Canyon!

Stop by Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Tuesday, January 23, through Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm, to meet cultural demonstrators, Charlotte and Eldrick Seoutewa. Watch channel inlay jewelry being made, and learn about Zuni Culture & Art,

Charlotte is from the Pueblo of Zuni and has been making Petit Point jewelry since she was 14. Her mother taught he the art. Charlotte’s desire is to continue the art of traditional jewelry making and to encourage future generations of Zuni artists. Her inspiration comes from those who taught her as well as, “our creators who are watching over us”.

Eldrick is also from the Pueblo of Zuni and has been making jewelry for more than 40 years. He began with traditional inlay jewelry patterns, and over the years has transitioned into more contemporary designs. All of his creations are made from sterling silver and natural stones. They are both known for their precision work and attention to detail.

Interpretation Program Changes

Effectively immediately, Village Interpretation staff will no longer be offering the Rim Walk as part of winter ranger programming. The Ranger’s Choice and Geology Talks will continue and their respective times and locations can be found on the park website here.

If staffing allows, the Interpretation Division hopes to bring back the Rim Walk Tour in March 2024.

Sean Ryall

Construction Safety Manager, Projects and Environmental Planning (PEP)

Brief Bio:

• Retired after 23 years in the US Navy (Hospital Corpsman) – served in California, Virginia, North Carolina, Japan, Italy, Bahrain and Kuwait.
• Long time volunteer at Cabrillo National Monument (with the Tidepool Protection Education and Restoration Program).
• Volunteer with PSAR at Grand Canyon National Park.
• Short stint as a seasonal interpretive ranger at Death Valley National Park (left due to getting a permanent civil service job as a Safety Specialist).
• I like to run/bike/hike, plus I like to read (history is my preference).  Also, I like to travel!

How long have you worked at GRCA? Where are you based out of?

I have been at GRCA since September 2023, and I both live and work in the park. This is the second time that I have lived here, since I worked for Delaware North at Camper Services in the summer of 2015.

What does a typical day look like for you in your role?

The typical day is a mixture of paperwork, meetings, and inspections, plus the occasional trip down into the Canyon to see progress on the Waterline Project.

Are there any specific projects or tasks that you find particularly interesting or challenging?

The Waterline Project is particularly fascinating because of the pieces involved and the amount of time is going to take to get it completed.

Can you share a talent or skill that surprises people when they find out?

I spent the last (almost) three years living in Japan and working for the US Marine Corps as a Safety Specialist.

Native Taco Sale January 19 to benefit 8th grade field trip

Fundraising for the 8th grade field trip to Washington D.C. continues! Eighth graders will be sponsoring a Native Taco and Plain Fry Bread Sale at the Grand Canyon School multi-purpose room on January 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim Visitor Use Study Community Presentation at Shrine of the Ages

When: Monday, February 5 from 10-11 a.m.

Residents and community members are invited to attend a South Rim Visitor Use Study presentation given by Derrick Taff, associate professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management with Penn State University, and Will Rice assistant professor of Outdoor Recreation and Wildland Management with the University of Montana.

The presentation is focused on the results associated with the South Rim Visitor Use Study conducted by students from both universities. The study was a three-year effort that used social science tools and techniques to better understand visitor flows and patterns as well as desired visitor experiences, motivations, and outcomes on the South Rim from Hermits Rest to Desert View. There will be plenty of time for questions.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7-11 a.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 7 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Burger, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dinner 4-8:30 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Arizona Steakhouse-closed through March 3, 2024
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast, 7-10 a.m., Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Food until 9 p.m.), Patio closed until spring 2024.
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 7 a.m. -2 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7-10 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services laundry and shower: 7 a.m.-4 p.m., beginning Monday, Jan. 22, hours will be expanded from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Kolb Studio, Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga at Grand Canyon Rec Center: Mondays-6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays-6:30-7:30 p.m. (full schedule available here, locals use discount code: GCLOCALS when registering)

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• A morning of incredible pink hues on January 17, 2024 (no filter)! This photo is of the North Rim Administrative House (Photo courtesy of Wendy McCrady).
• Louis and Sonya Rowe and their retirement cake (Photos courtesy of the Rowes’ and NPS)
• Charlotte and Eldrick Seoutewa and samples of their jewelry (NPS Photos)
• Snowman near El Tovar/Hopi House (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• Sean Ryall, Construction Safety Manager, (Photo courtesy of S. Ryall)
• A student collecting data for the Visitor Use Study engages with visitors near the Bright Angel Trailhead (NPS Photo/P. Edwards)