It was my third or fourth trip to the Grand Canyon, so I knew exactly what to expect and packed accordingly: sleeveless shirts and sunscreen to counter strength-sapping heat and burning UV rays along with thermal shirts and gloves for winter chill. And I got it right. The temperature can vary by as much as 30 degrees from rim to floor, and springtime at the Canyon is especially unpredictable. So much for packing light.
As we drove north from Flagstaff, AZ, we watched bright blue skies layered with wisps of white cloud over with pastels. Light hued pastel pinks, yellows and purples that were surprisingly intense for what I normally perceive as no-drama colors. My admiration for the unusual lighting gave way to delayed realization of stormy weather ahead. We had already rearranged our itinerary to avoid forecasted 65MPH winds, but it looked like we were in for some interesting weather.
Hail hit suddenly as we turned onto state route 64, deafening all other sounds. I drove steadily toward our hotel with occasional slides, seeing 
nothing but an iced road bouncing with ice pellets and shrouded by fog. And then, it was over. We turned into the first pull-off, the Desert Watchtower, excited to be within yards of a stunning view and disappointed that it was completely enclosed by clouds.
Seemed like a good time for a lunch break, and after some hot soup and salad -we found the weather had changed yet again! The clouds had dissipated and brightening sunlight revealed: the Grand Canyon.
The weather at Grand Canyon changes as fast as us, and is unpredicted as well.
I look forward to seeing some more of your pictures of the Grand Canyon Heather – I’ve never been to the US and it one of those places I would love to see:)
Great photos ! Nice posts ! interesting information to read!
One of the great things about being in this kind of environment is the unpredictable weather. Similar in New Zealand, you just can’t pack light.
Fantastic, I can tour America from my armchair thanks to your wonderful photos and commentary.