Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Grand Canyon South Rim

Wow, wow, wow. What a fantastic way to have a 2 night rest from the bikes. We are staying at the Grand Canyon South Rim lodge called the Thunderbird Lodge which is only a few steps from the rim itself.
We arrived here from the North Rim which is only 10 miles as the crow flies opposite us but took us 5 hours on the bikes to get around to the South Rim. Once again we are at over 6,000 feet so it is a bit cooler than down in the valley. We managed to walk around when we got here to take some photo's and Kerry was in her element with all the squirrel's running around.
After our evening meal we retired to our rooms and as Kerry and I were getting organised for bed there was an excited knock on our door from Ken and Christine who had seen two Elk feeding on the lawn next to our lodge. I don't think 2 people had ever got dressed and grabbed camera's that fast before as we headed out the door to see 2 enormous Elk heads down eating away right in front of us.
Kerry snapped away for the next half an hour before the ranger came and made us remove ourselves to a safer distance. What a way to finish the day.
The following morning the four of us made a booking to have a 50 minute helicopter ride over the canyon and to fill in time before the flight we took a walk along the canyon rim and surprise, surprise Kerry braved her fear of heights and actually ventured to near the edge of the canyon which she has never done before. I was so proud of her.
We did the canyon flight with Maverick Helicopters who were well recommended to us and we were not disappointed. The flight was fantastic even though we had a couple of rain showers. We were taken over to the North Rim where we stayed a couple of days ago. The view of the canyon from the helicopter is absolutely wonderful and gives us a different perspective from the rim of the canyon.
We are about to celebrate our stay with a nice meal and a quiet drink.

Our trusty chopper...

Part of the Canyon near our room.

A shot from the helicopter.

And another

Kerry in action again!

Aren't we brave?

This is Kerry overcoming her fear of heights.
I am so proud of her!


And again...

3 comments:

  1. Well !!Oh Brave ones, heights are one thing but Elks are another !! Very exciting memories, not to mention helicopter rides, it all sounds sooo good.
    We are enjoying your travels and are truly impressed with the Blog site and your photographs,It is "almost as good as being with you .. We look forward to the next episode
    Meanwhile, as always, take care & be safe

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  2. HI KERRY BOB, JUST FANTASTIC, LOVING ALL THE INFO AND THE PHOTO,S SO MUCH TO SEE, I MUST SAY YOU ARE LOOKING VERY RELAXED AND HAPPY. HOLIDAYS ARE GREAT. TAKE CARE ENJOY, ALL WELL HERE. LOADS OF LOVE PAM AND WAYNE

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  3. Hi Dad and Kerry, We are just loving the photo's and your daily comments. It's great to log on and see what you guy's are doing whenever work is getting the better of me, I just pretend I'm there with you two. Missing and Loving you both lots, be safe and take care of eachother. Love always Kazz & Sharn xxoo

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