The Grand Canyon - North & South

Sunset at North Rim

South Rim

We have had the most fantastic 2 days in the most beautiful of areas, with every type of weather.

After leaving the North Rim Lodge yesterday morning we stopped at another Indian store for a look, and then continued on. While still in the National Park we saw a large herd of Bison walking through one of the meadows, made our day! The big black bull Bison just looked at us, then headed on, the calves, 3 or 4 of them & a red/brown color were bounding and playing around with the cows - gorgeous to see.

We had to backtrack a fair way as there is only one way in & out of the North Rim. Once on new roads the country changed to grey mounds, clay like in appearance. We refuelled (where the pump didn't automatically cut out so petrol everywhere, not nice) had something to eat & then turned onto the road to the South Rim. Once again lots of pines, but a different type. Elevation not quite as high.

Got to our area, & after some considerable 'mucking around' finally managed to find the main

reception area. Luckily we didn't have to stop at the Visitor Centre as there were literally 100's of cars parked on the side of the roads. We managed to grab a car park & finally sorted everything out, we had actually walked past our rooms. They have a partial view of the canyon, & the services (coffee maker, hair dryer, clock, iron etc) are at least part of the cost (OUCH). Everything else tho' (& I mean everything) you have to pay for. At least we have Internet access (even tho we have to come to the main lobby to use it).

Last night after tea we came down to do the blog, & on our way back saw 2 huge elk on the lawn just outside our lodge. Obviously they are comfortable as there were heaps of people taking photo's.

Today ... (Saturday 11th)

Up & taking photo's early, then popped in to have breakfast. It was sprinkling with rain & looked very ominous & overcast. Jackets on & off we went for a walk, weather became warm & the walk was fantastic. At around 11am we came back, had a coffee & a nibble, & got a taxi to the airport. On the way we were again fortunate enough to see 2 doe on the side of the road.

Once we got to the airport we confirmed (& paid) for our flight with Maverick Helicopters. What a fantastic brilliant experience. As with anything like that it is weight arranged, so it was pleasing to see that the 4 of us haven't put on weight (because it sure feels like it). There were 3 others on our flight, 4 in the front seats, 4 in the back. Our pilot Doug was brilliant. He arranged us in the seats, I was next to him (the co-pilot he said!), then another couple. In the rear 4 seats were Kerry, Bob, Ken & another guy. There are photo's to start, then it was up & away. We started off flying over the Kaibab National Forest which is full of Ponderosa Pines. We then got to the edge of the canyon, & over we went. Sensational. We followed the Colorado river, dipped & climbed the North & South Rim. It was a unique experience with rain showers, turbulence due to the rain, & smoke due to controlled burns. An experience not to be missed!!

We caught the shuttle bus back to a small town Tusayan where we had a belated lunch, checked out some more stalls & caught the bus back to our Lodge. It's been raining off & on and is now quite cold. We're hoping things will be good when we head off for Las Vegas in the morning.