Hi

Nothing can prepare you for this site. We started at the West Canyon with a walk on the skywalk which even Pete managed to complete. In hindsite it was the way to go as we were blown away by the size and beauty of the area and yet... In retrospect it was just an appetiser for what was to come at the South Rim the next day. To use a cliche no photo or description can do it justice, it is a massive, awe inspiring, majestic site. On the 2nd day Pete set off walking and Toby and I set off on our mules for the bottom. Pete did really well to walk 5000 odd feet down and then back up, I have to say I thanked my lucky stars every time I saw a struggling hiker that I had a mule to ride on. The mules were wonderful, not nearly as skittish as horses but just as big. Sure footed and very reliable after the first kilometre or so one could forget about what they were doing and just gaze around. It did get a little scary at times as they like to walk on the very edge of the trail and when they turn a corner they extend their head way out into space B4 they actually turn. And we are talking major corners here, some of the switchbacks were pretty death defying!!!! But the scenery just took your breath away, definately two of the best days of my life!!! We had two crystal clear days and it was soo quiet down there, you really haven't experienced the canyon until you have been down in it, apparently only 1% of all visitors go to the bottom. We stayed in a cute little cabin at the bottom and were very well fed.

Granny Griesmann, it definately required the word!!

The first night we visited various lookouts to watch the sunset, Toby and I were quite disappointed later to find just after we left one some guy took a freefall into space! (Not really but it was kindof interesting.) Not sure if it was deliberate or not.

Onward now to the National Parks...