Grand Canyon - Arizona

One of the 7 natural wonders of the world. And on the first of our three days at the canyon we visited the North Rim, the part of the canyon that only 2% of the 4 million visitors a year visit!! Was expecting the 100 degree + heat, clear blue skys etc etc...

But was completely naive to the fact it's over 8000 feet in elevation (1000 ft higher than the touristy south rim) which meant that we were setting up camp in temperatures more like an English winter! Anyway, up went the tent:



and then off on a hike, the South Kaibab trail into the Canyon. 12 miles, managed the first 3 running down, but started late (about 4.30) and by the time I would have made it down it would have meant coming back up in dark. Probably not all that sensible considering I'd never even seen the Canyon before, no matter walked in it. So caught the last 30 minutes of sun and went up to the rim to see the sunset.





Left early the next morning for the 215 mile drive to the South Rim. Seemed crazy, as in the photo above, in a straight line the South Rim is only 10 miles as the crow flies. The North Kaibab train joins up with the South Kaibab trail and over a suspension bridge you cross the Colorado to do the 21 mile hike to the other rim. Recommended 2 day trip with either camping or hostelling at Phantom Ranch down in the Canyon itself. Though outside of June, July and August rekon it's easily doable in a full day. Probably the first place, other than Lake Louise, Banff where I am absolutely sure I'll be back to soon.

So onto the touristy south rim, where all the visitors go, easy access, plenty of lodging, gift shops galore (arrgh!), but some good trails. Stopped at a few view points along the way:



Views from the south rim are definitely better, just it's busier. Hate to think how crowded it must get peak season.



Jumped 6000ft into the canyon. Took a heavy landing, but was OK as I flipped onto my hands, then back onto my legs. Disapated my weight across all 4 limbs. Now that's talent.

Got there late, took a walk with Maddy to the rim for sun set, walked around the village, and back to the camp site.

Mega early morning, sunrise at 5.45am then 12 mile hike:

Not often is sunrise cloudy, although not probably as spectacular it definitely gives it a kinda eeriness.



Now for the unbelievable part. Not 100 degree + temps in the canyon, as is usually the case but rain. And I'm not joking. 6 miles in, and it started, thunder, lightening, huge rain drops. GOt absolutely drenched - it's all about the Lowe Alpine:



Trying to work out how it can rain in one of the hottest places on Earth?

Still managed to see the Colorado though, so that's all good:



Though when the lightning started, that was it, I was out of there! Slightly concerned, being one of only about 6 people on the trail to Plateau Point my mind was put at rest when I saw one Chinese guy with a metallic umbrella:



Idiot! Three guesses on who was going to be first down!

Stormed back up the 950m from Plateau Point, 1 hr 19 minutes, heard it was fairly good going. Great to fly past the old American guys who patronisingly tell you how much they love the English accent, "oh my guard, my grandfarrthher was frum Englaynd". I'd love to whip out a world map and get them to mark England. It would probably look very much like this one I photographed back in Yellowstone! Look at that land bridge between Spain and Morocco! Hilarious.



Anyway, deviating slightly from the Canyon here. In sum, huge, can be way over 20 miles wide in part, 5000 ft + deep and full of so many colours that I'm sure you couldn't even match them on the photoshop colour wheel. I love this place.