Caption: The magnificent Horse-shoe bend.
Caption: First sighting of the Grand Canyon
I am writing this post on the anniversary of my visit to the natural miracle.
Wonder why? You may get some clues at the end.
To see the magnificent spectacle stayed my lifelong dream.
In the last year, we planned a road trip through Arizona, Nevada & California. That included the Grand Canyon as the initial stopover.
Starting from Austin, TX, the first part was by taking a flight to Phoenix.
The holiday season had started just. Expectedly, there was a massive queue for the security check.
And then some anxiety! I forgot removing a handkerchief from my side pocket. And, that became apparent in the scan.
Mercifully, there was no additional check.
Through all these, we managed to reach the gates just fifteen minutes before the departure.
In this way, even if you are in a hurry, take out everything from your shirt and trouser pockets. That saves further trouble.
Having a window seat, I continued exploring Maps to grasp what is passing underneath.
Tip: You should download your entire trip zone. Phone can receive GPS signal in flight mode also, and then the Map will show where you are at any given moment.
And then, the sight of the rising sun was captivating.
The view of Phoenix while on approach for landing, was also mesmerizing.
Caption: Sunrise during the flight. The city below is El Paso.
Caption: Flying over the Phoenix Airport.
The next leg was through a self-drive rented-car.
The arrangement here is excellent. A bus from the rental company transports you to the parking area.
A broad choice of autos was available here.
Uniquely, all that experience was in stark contrast to the one I had back home some four months ago!
Nevertheless, the attendant supported us to make the right decision by suggesting cars with snow tyres. However, if you do not have chains, cops can turn you around in extreme snowfall situations. That was learning in the later part.
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Caption: Which car to choose? That becomes perplexing.
Additionally, we avoid toll roads as far as possible.
But surprisingly, these alternative routes do not add much to the travel time!
The upcoming journey was through the arid regions of Arizona.
A variety of tall cacti were visible all around. That was an exceptional view.
Caption: Tall cacti all around. A unique sight.
The sight of snow-clad mountains at a distance was fascinating.
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Caption: The view was fascinating.
After checking in the hotel, we decided to explore the nearest trails at the Grand Canyon.
Though you can drive through the park, it is convenient to drop that in any parking lot & pick a bus making round trips within the domain.
Nevertheless, while parking, one has to be attentive in the lookout for the empty slots. Some may have wheelchair mark & others near an EV charging!
We picked a bus at the visitors centre and then alighted at a stop adjacent to the railway station.
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Doing so, we reached the starting point of the Trail-of-time.
Well laid out walkway, several rest points at intervals & a captivating view through many perspectives! That was a treat to the eyes.
The path planners have considered wheelchair accessibility.
Nevertheless, we were feeling the exhaustion even in a slightest uphill walk because of rarefied air.
We covered billions of years in the two-and-half-km track and arrived at the end.
At one place, I was surprised to see an exhibit named “Vishnu Rocks.”
The Grand Canyon, gaining a connection with Hindu mythology! That was perplexing.
Over here is some information on identifying the formation so.
Caption: A display board explaining the process of formation of the Vishnu rocks.
Caption: Feeling envious! I couldn’t go there!!
We reached the car park & decided to move to the sunset point.
Caption : Occasionally, you may be interrupted by wildlife crossing the road. On sighting, you have to stop instantly. No blowing of horn & have to wait till the entire herd passes.
Caption: The seeing of the setting sun on the backdrop of the ravine was unforgettable.
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The second day.
The plan was to reach the Horseshoe bend and follow a guided tour to the spot.
There was a moderate snowfall & the show was fascinating.
We placed our vehicle at one such sight.
I went up a small dyke to manage a steadier shot.
… However, while stepping down, I stumbled upon a protruding stone!
After that, a visit to the local clinic became a must.
Next, to carry out the further visit with an Arm Sling? …I gave up the thought.
Further, most of the photos remained locked inside the memory card of damaged camera.
Thanks to the pandemic, I could arrange a repair only in the previous month!
Still, I insisted upon the family members to adhere to the program and visit the Horse Shoe Bend,
& that’s the cover photo!
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To be continued…
and who unfortunately were not so keen on taking photos as me.