It takes about 2 hours to get to the canyon from Kingman. About 9 of the last 20 miles is a VERY rough dirt road. It wouldn't have been too bad except for the continuous ridges left behind by a bulldozer (or road grader). I kept thinking how much I would have loved the FJ on that journey. I went very slow with the van. The weird part is, everyone else was flying along that road like it was the interstate. I kept pulling over and letting them go by. I wonder how their suspensions are today (or in the near future).
Here is the dusty van after the trip. Jen wrote Grand Canyon on the window....
I would NOT get near the edge of the canyon. I have done better with heights in recent times but this was a little bit too much for me. My mind kept running scenarios about not only my tumble but also all of the other people that DID get near the edge. It was quite the experience and my palms sweat just typing this.
Here is as close as I would get to the edge....
What I did do and enjoyed immensely was the Skywalk. The Skywalk is a horseshoe shaped glass bottom walkway stretching out over the grand canyon. The glass bottom was amazing - I actually walked on it the whole way (slowly). I don't think I vice gripped the railing even once :-). The bus tour stopped there and also at another high spot that has panoramic views of the canyon.
We also saw traditional Indian dancers....
It was an incredible Father's Day. The grand canyon experience was preceded by opening gifts and cards. Eric's 13th birthday was today too. So, we had a great time together all day. He would wish me a happy Father's Day and I would wish him a happy birthday. Special times.
In the evening we went to Chili's for dinner. I had one beer and a HUGE glass of water with ice (much needed). There were two other birthday celebrations there besides Eric. The servers clapped for Eric and sang happy birthday to him!
Birthday Eric with the Colorado River behind him....
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Panoramic video...
Happy Father's Day to you and Happy Birthday to Eric. Of course you know that I have been waiting to hear about your Grand Canyon experience. And chuckled the entire time I was reading. One thing we could always relate about is our fear of heights including not only my own fear but also the anxiety about others being too close.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics and video and a wonderful rememberance for both you and Eric on his 13th birthday. I hope Claire is feeling better. Love to all of you. I'll text you later Barb
Did you take the donkey ride to the bottom of the canyon? I would like to do that sometime.
ReplyDeleteLOL! No donkey ride for me :-) It would be hard enough to trust my own legs along the edge of a cliff mountain trail let alone the four legs of a donkey. It makes me shiver just to think about it :-) It does sound like fun though.
DeleteWhat a wonderful narration about this visit - Ray, I can feel your anxiety, but good for you to not staying the van !! The porta potties behind the Indians brings us back to reality - what would we do without them? I have to ask Al if he has ever ridden a donkey? I have and, trust me, you don't want to do that. We can discuss that some other day. :O) On to Eureka... Happy Trails to you. Love, Beema
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention that sometimes the email alerts are very late in arriving, so check this site for updates often. I am still in awe of this wonderful electronic world of ours, being able to communicate over hundreds of miles. And, Thank you, Jenny and Ray, for keeping us informed and in touch - it means so much to me, and I am sure, to the others as well.
ReplyDeleteYes the Skywalk has interested me....Glad you are all enjoying your trip. Honey
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