GRAND CANYON
June 20, 2015
Today we visited one of the Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon in AZ. We had over an hour drive from our camp to get to the Grand Canyon. The drive was beautiful, deserted, but beautiful. As we approached the camp entrance, we had to wait in line to pay for entry. I recommend prepaid entry if possible, that line moves quickly. While waiting in line, Josh began to sneeze uncontrollably. It was very unfortunate that he was having an allergy to something in the air. We entered the park and found parking near the Visiter's Center. We walked down the main viewing path along the South Rim and viewed the Canyon from Mather's Point. I was a little nervous about the height and small hand rail but we really enjoyed the viewing cliffs. There were a few people who went off the path and ventured out onto un-railed cliffs. It made us very uncomfortable to watch so we went on our way until the path ended. The Canyon was breathtaking. The South Rim of the Canyon was beautiful shades of red with little greenery but they had some creatures living along the rim within the trees along the trail. They advise you not to feed the squirrels, rabbits, foxes and to watch for condors. The North Rim had much more signs of life but only 10% of those viewing the South Rim ever make it to the North rim. We toured the Visiter's Center and read about the Canyon. We purchased our souvenir pin and postcard and decided it was best we leave due to extreme heat and Josh's allergy. WATCH YOUR MAIL!
As we pulled away Josh decided to take a drive around the camps at the Canyon. We were able to watch as the Grand Canyon Train was pulling out of the station. It was pretty neat to see all the campers riding their rental bikes as their main transportation. Unbeknownst to me, Josh decided to detour into the Grand Canyon Airport. There, he checked us all in to take a helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon. I must say I was pretty scared. I don't fly well.
We watched a safety video and boarded the helicopter with our Pilot, Matt. He was a pretty nice guy with great knowledge of the Grand Canyon and all of the surrounding area. It was a short 9 minute ride to the edge of the Grand Canyon. As he counted down to the view, the music in our headphones played Frank Sinatra "Come Fly with Me" and the Superman theme song. He warned us just as we got to the edge then, BAM!! the ground drops out and we are inside the Grand Canyon. It scared me to death, it was a gut wrenching drop. After my initial shock wore off I started to take photos of the most magical panoramic views I've ever seen. Our pilot spent 50 amazing minutes with us inside the Canyon explaining so many things beyond what our eyes could see. We hoped to see the Wild Horses he spoke so highly about, but in the extreme heat we believe they found shelter. The view of the North Rim was so green and lush and very secluded. It was a dramatic change from the South Rim. I am so thankful for the opportunity to take a helicopter tour through the Grand Canyon. I hope our children will retell their experience for years to come.
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