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Today's Thought

Of all the wonderful places in the USA, the Grand Canyon must rate equal first.  This trip we spent two nights there and if time had permitted, we would have stayed longer.  The sheer size and splendour of the Canyon never fails to impress and we look at the many views with awe.  Photographs can never do justice to the amazing vistas and it is a very special place.  The South Rim offers the best scenery and the Rim footpaths enable the visitor to walk safely between the many viewpoints.

Deep down at the bottom of the Canyon, the Colorado River snakes, barely seen from the Rim.

For those who seek adventure and wish to enter the depths of the Canyon, mules are used as the method of transport.  We did not feel brave enough to venture down.

The paths along the Rim are wide and easy to navigate.

Wildlife is plentiful in the Canyon, with many different birds and animals to spot.  Look out for mule deer, which we did not get to see on this trip

Many people die each year in the Grand Canyon, many from heat / exposure and 6 or more from falling off the rim cliffs.  These lads were dicing with death and every time we visit, there are always those who are not content to view the sights from the safety of the designated areas for walking and needlessly put themselves and others in danger.  Good advice is to take plenty of water with you when exploring the Canyon and don't take unecessary risks.

The Orphan Mine, which produced uranium during 1956-1969 for America's Cold War nuclear weapons program, is situated on and below the South Rim. Abandoned in 1969, the site is contaminated with hazardous materials, some of which are radioactive.

As we left Grand Canyon, travelling East Rim Drive on Route 64, we stopped at the Desert View Watchtower. This four-story structure, completed in 1932, was designed by American architect Mary Colter and from the top gives the visitor magnificent views along the Canyon.