Helicopter flight

Our pilot Mike walks us to the helicopter, a 6 passenger plus pilot machine. The airport is buzzing with helicopters and fixed wing sightseeing aircraft from numerous companies. We had to provide our weight and to balance the helicopter we have assigned seats. Fortunately Joanne and I are in the front next to the pilot - and along with the best view - the best adrenalin rush. We have headsets to listen to the music - classic rock chosen, the pilots commentary and our own intercom with him and each other.

The departure is swift and we are airborne travelling over the tops of the Ponderosa Pines towards the rim of the canyon. We have 45 minutes to look forward to. The pilot makes a gentle turn and ....... over the edge and a drop off of 3000 feet - the canyon falling away with a gasp! Wow! He had flown so low over the trees that we hadn't seen it coming. The majesty and sheer delight at being here experiencing the Grand Canyon in all it's beauty - unbelievable.

To the distance we could see where Monument Valley is and we marvelled at the craggy cliffs, buttresses and colours of the canyon. We flew very close a times, making some tight turns to experience even closer up. The view and experience from the front with only the glass windows all around and the canyon directly below our feet felt like we were just hanging there. A slight buffeting every now and then in the changing winds reminded us, if we needed it, that this was an experience not to be forgotten. The pilot pointed out formations, the Colorado River below and guided the helicopter close to the edges and cliff tops.

Unfortunately, with the sun now getting lower and time up we headed back to the airport, the pilot guiding the helicopter to just above the rim of the canyon, almost touching the ponderosa pines back on to the plateau and arrival at the airport.

Another wonderful memorable experience on this very memorable holiday.

Dinner tonight was at the Big E Steakhouse and Saloon. The intention was to see the sunset, but it was obvious that time would beat us, so we settled in to a nice relaxing dinner and short magic show. We were the first customers in this evening, but by the time we had finished the place was alive and the queue outside to get in was long.

A 4.45pm wake up tomorrow, for a 5.10am departure to see the sunrise over the rim. Then we will be off on our trek in to the canyon.

Sleep time!