While the Cubs bustled about, fists flying, in their ongoing attempt to climb to the top of the deep and dirty hole that is the NL Central, I was busy checking out the Hole of All Holes:

So while Carlos Zambrano was losing his no-hit bid, Derrek Lee was losing his cool, and the Cubs were losing a game to the Padres, I was just concerned with not losing my footing along a switchbacking trail leading to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

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We arrived at the canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway, part of a package that included hotel accommodations, meals at the hotel restaurant, round-trip tickets to the canyon, and, regretably, a Wild West show before the train's departure.

(As anyone who has ever seen such a show will know, the Cheese Factor was off the charts. Horse droppings galore, the mandatory Old West accents and dialogue, etc. But at least the "cowboys" knew how cheesy these shows are, and chose to revel in it, at least making for some barely-bearable entertainment. At one point, Trooper, as one cowboy was called, was shot down by the Marshall for cheating at cards, only to revive himself once the others "realized" that they needed him for the rest of the show, which mostly involved figuring out where to get breakfast. [They decided on McDonalds.] But hey, it was part of the package.)

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The canyon itself was quite a sight to see. As far as I can tell, over the weekend the Cubs were not, particularly Sunday. When Scott Eyre had the best game of all Cub pitchers involved, you know it was a bad day all around.

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MLB should make a ruling today on suspensions and fines for Saturday's brawl, says the Daily Herald. Daryle Ward will be activated tomorrow and will play first base in Lee's stead. Clay Rapada was optioned to Triple-A.

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Once again, I'm limited in time to spend tip-typing away. The next post shall come whenever I'm able. Thanks for your patience.