BREATHTAKING GRAND CANYON

HIGHLIGHTS: Where to start? There are so many; wherever you look out over the canyon, it is just absolutely awesome (as they say in the U.S.).

Probably the best was sunset, when the whole of the canyon changes different colors, from amber to red to black as the sun sets; this was truly a memorable moment.

Quick Tips:

Try to stay actually on the rim of the canyon to appreciate it at all times of day--but book accommodation in advance. We booked 5 months prior to traveling.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around is by the shuttle bus which runs in each direction from Grand Canyon Village. It is free and stops at different viewpoints, where you can alight and board again on the next one.

We had an adequate (not as large as some U.S. motel rooms) room with a double bed, table, chair, and cupboard and private bathroom. It reminded me more of an English hotel room.

It only had a small window, but if you went to the right-hand corner and looked sideways through the left corner, you could see the canyon.

The bed was turned down at night, night attire was laid out on the bed, and a chocolate mint was put on top.

The foyer was hunting-lodge style, and the hotel had a balcony on the front with rocking chairs, where we sat at night with a beer. Coffee was available in the mornings from about 6am, which you could take back to your room.

We ate here as we were on somewhat of a budget, and we preferred to pay to stay at the El Tovar and eat cheaply, so we dined in the Bright Angel Lodge and the Yavapai Cafeteria.

The Bright Angel Lodge is typical of fast food restaurants (like Denny's) and the Yavapai Cafeteria is self service. In both places the food is good.

We spent two nights at the El Tovar Hotel on the south rim of the canyon.

We arrived early afternoon and wandered around the immediate area as our room was not quite ready. We saw the condors swooping over the canyon - they were so close we could see their chest feathes.

I joined a Kodak Photographer at 6:30 am the next morning with a group of others, and he took us on a walk around the rim, explaining how and where to get the best shots of the sunrise.

We spent the day traveling the shuttle bus to all the different view points and in the evening gathered at Sunset Point to watch the sunset - there were hundreds of people there.

Before leaving on the second day we went to the corral to see the mules leaving for their trek down the canyon. The trail was so narrow it gave us palpitations just looking at it.

There are plenty of Ranger programs to occupy your time at the canyon such as photography trips, nature walks, and in the evening bonfires and talks on various subjects. Information can be obtained from Bright Angel Lodge.