While on my trip to the Grand Canyon I kept a journal of my experience in order to create an after-the-fact travelogue.  Presented over the next few days is an edited version + photo essay of my trip.  (First entry here)
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6 Oct 2010 0638

I forgot to mention yesterday how neat it was to see cacti in the wild.  It’d seen them in arboretums and botanical gardens, but this was the first time I saw them growing in their natural environment.  Biggest impression:  unlike cartoons, the “arms” are not even.  Some of them even have only one “arm”.

6 Oct 2010 1125

Just got to my hotel, although they can’t check me in until 1500 or 1600.  The trip up was insane.  It rained so hard that, at points, I had to go 30 MPH just to see where I was going.  Later, during the drive, it was hailing very hard.  Near Flagstaff we saw evidence of tornadoes – electric poles ripped in half and tipped tractor trailers.  As we neared the park there was even snow on the side of the road!  I was disappointed that we are so far north that there are no cacti.  It’s all regular trees.  (Deciduous and Pine)