Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Now let me tell you about the Grand Canyon....this was the final leg of our 'Hiking Adventures' (or so we thought).Our accomodation is located within Grand Canyon Village, situated only a 5 minute walk from the rim of the Canyon.
Our accomodation is very tidy & comfortable, it is set within Woodlands once again offering fabulous views from our balcony.The main Lodge is the hub of the 'Resort' offering a gift shop, restuarant, sports bar (including wifi access).
The Grand Canyon National Park is vast (not sure why this has come as a surprise to me - I guess I should have done some more research & planning [isn't that what I brought Rachael with me for !?]).The Canyon itself extends for a massive 277 miles,with a width of 18 miles at it's widest point.Transportation around the Canyon is really straightforward, with free shuttle buses being run at regular intervals (every 15 minutes or so).
We had been treated to an amazing introduction to the Grand Canyon witnessing a fantastic sunset at Dessert Point on our arrival and were now keen to view this location in daylight and also to enter into the Canyon itself.
Our starting elevation was a height in excess of 7,000 feet which in itself can make getting about something of an effort (unless, of course, you are sat comfortably on the Shuttle Bus) - undetered by this minor fact, we decided to embark upon the South Kaibab Trail.This trail is in the strenous category, however promises impressive views from within the Canyon after undertaking a sharp descent.The trail is an extremely steep, rugged and narrow descent, with many 'switchbacks' en route...................and then there's the getting back !
Our first recognised viewpoint is "Ooh Ahh Point" - if you'd been there you would understand the name.The Canyon Walls to our right suddenly disappear, opening up the perspective to a 360 degree view from within the Canyon.Despite Rachael's constant demands to stay close, stand still & hold on tight (to what I'm not entirely sure !), I climbed the boulder on Ooh Ahh Point for a photo-stop.Touched by her concerns for my safety, I decided not to be too upset by the fact that none of the photos had come out (aparently it has something to do with her putting the camera battery in upside down - "I thought it seemed difficult to close the battery case" she later explained to me !).
We continued our trek down to the next viewpoint - Cedar Ridge.Bearing in mind at this point we have descended a total of 1,500 feet over "challenging" terrain we are somewhat surprised to find Restrooms situated at Cedar Ridge - only in America !Now those janitors certainly earn their wages !!
I proceeded to the furthest point of Cedar Ridge (should even now have the photos to prove it !), leaving Rachael to relax in the sunshine & look after the bags.The views offered from CedarRidge include a glimpse of the continuing trail, we are a further 3 miles from the Colorado River which lies a further 1,800 feet below us.This view makes our next decision an relatively easy one - we commence our return journey up the Kaibab Trail.Now the return leg is somewhat hard-going (I already told you about the effects of the elevation) and the climb is an extremely steep and long one.Many recocery stops, photo stops and water breaks later we finally return to the rim of the Canyon - it was a real sense of achievement.
We jumped the Shuttle Bus (well that sounds a little too energetic to be honest, perhaps "crawled & hauled ourselves onto" would be a more accurate description) - our next stop was a Cafe & General Store.It is only after departing the bus that we discover that this particular Cafe is closed for the season - good job I have ½ a snickers bar to keep me going until tea-time !
For some reason (I am going with because she is a mean, vindictive & merciless individual who has noticed my weakend physical condition !) Rachael decides that instead of taking the free Shuttle Bus back to The Maswick Lodge, we should take a 2.3 mile walk along the Canyon Rim Trail.In fairness this does offer a spectacular outlook, which I am still able to appreciate in my current condition.Finally, Rachael becomes tired (more of my whinging, moaning & constant enquiries as to wether we are nearly there yet than of the physical exertions !) and we catch the bus back to the Lodge for our well earned tea.
We return to our room after our meal - ready for an early night to recover from our exertions, but it's never as straightforward as that, is it !Our room key is denying us access, so I have to return to the Lodge for the key to be re-configured (Rachael waited outside our room & kept an eye on the bags again, bless her !).Exhausted after an extremely arduous day's hiking, I collapsed on the bed certain of a good night's sleep................but it was not to be !!
Between the hours of 3am & 4:20am the alarm on the car directly outside our room was intermittently sounding - making sleep impossible. At one stage, it became too much for me & I decided to venture out just to "double-check" that it wasn't our car alarm & also to fight off (without making any direct eye contact) any bears which may be attempting to commit grand theft auto.Prior to heading outside, I took the precaution of covering my dignity with a towell (not a flannel, a towell !) - the wisdom of this forethought was fully brought to mind on hearing the sound of the door clicking securely closed behind me.Fortunately Rachael was in an uncharateristically generous mood (the sleep deprivation must have had an effect on her) and opened the door for me after only 15 minutes or so of pleading with her.
The following morning we awoke surprisingly refreshed for a further days exploration of the Grand Canyon.We had decided to take the shuttle bus to the most Westerly point of the rim to Hermit's Rest and then to complete the return journey (of approximately 9 miles) by foot along the Rim Trail.Fortunately this trail is relatively level, albeit at an altitude of approximately 7,500 feet.This trail offered great views of the vast Canyon, along with intermittent glimpses of the Colorado River, including some of the white-water rapids.
We also had a great view of the Grand Canyon Village, and realised how precariously balanced on the Canyon rim some of the lodges were.After approximately 4 hours we completed our wander, arriving back at our original starting point.For the remainder of the day we took full advantage of the shuttle bus, being trasnported to the Canyon bookstore & various observation and lookout points (via the cake and coffee shops, of course !).
Fortunately our sleep was relatively un-interrupted (although to be honest Rachael's snoring & constant twitchy leg syndrome is equally as disruptive as bears attempting to break into cars !) and we were all set for an early morning check-out for our return journey to Las Vegas.
I will fill you in on the un-censored details of our Vegas adventures shortly, in the meantime I will take this opportunity to respond to a number of questions & requests :-
Barry - I am slightly concerned about your desire to "see more of me" in the photos !Keep watching, there is every chance that more flesh will be on display in the Hawaii photos................but be careful what you wish for !
Jaki - The hat is a good look for me (you only need to check out the receding hair-line in some of the photos for confirmation !).I may model some alternative headwear later on my travels.
Sharon - I've not yet resorted to comando style, however I have noticed that as the days pass people are more respectful of my "Personal Space" - even to the extent that people opt to pass on sharing a lift with me & simply wait for the next one !
Crocs - we are fine, but we've spent a few days in Vegas..............there is SOOOO many distractions & activities that we have struggled to find time for updating our blogs !
Mum - hope your travels went well & that you have returned safely home.I trust you directed Mark to the web-sites & I will await his comments...
Finally - I have uploaded some of my photos onto this site, however if that's not enough of me for you, then keep checking up on www.picasaweb.google.com/tonytobin33
Bye for now,
Tony & Rachael
- comments