Grand Canyon to the Pacific

An early start this morning as we were to be picked up (in a stretch limousine) for our trip to the Grand Canyon.

Driving out onto the Strip, all was quiet at that time of day.

At 8am we were ready to fly.  David and I feared that we would be tucked into the back of the helicopter as ballast but in fact we had the front seats and an amazing view.

We flew over Lake Mead, created by the building of the Hoover Dam at the confluence of the Virgin and Colorado rivers.  The Boulder Bridge is in front of the dam.

Flying into the sun it was difficult to get good pictures but in half an hour or so we were flying over the edge of the Grand Canyon with the Colorado River far below.

The sides of the Canyon, apart from being massively high, are fascinating for the different colours and formations of rocks.

The highlight of the trip was when the helicopter touched down in the Canyon.  This gave us the possibility of great views all around and a chance to see up close the desert plants that grow there.

The view along the Canyon, carved out by the river, is amazing.

We took the obligatory selfie and managed to completely obscure the view!

Another passenger took a shot for us.

There were side vallies in the Canyon which are equally beautiful.

We kept being drawn back to the same views..

Posing with the helicopter!

After our champagne breakfast it was time to set off again.

A final look back at the river..

Then up and over the edge, back to the plateau.

A different view of Lake Mead on the way back.

And finally a close up aerial view of the Luxor and other hotels in Las Vegas.

This evening we flew to Los Angeles where David has a conference for a couple of days at a resort at Palos Verde outside the city.  They say that there is a great view of the Pacific but it was dark when we arrived....

Easter Sunday - Return to Las Vegas

Wishing you a very happy time this Easter Sunday and looking forward to seeing you before too long.  Thank you for cards and wishes. 

We set off early from Bryce Canyon 'City' (population approx 250 if that?) and were soon heading down Route 15, the rather faceless desert road that links Salt Lake City with Las Vegas.

We turned off the road into the small town of Paroesn, but everything was closed.  In fact it was pretty deserted.  We did notice this poster in the window of the Visitor Centre..

Back in Las Vegas the weather was warm but windy.  We had a walk around some of the indoor areas of Planet Hollywood where we are staying...

We then went to look at some of the other hotels along Las Vegas Boulevard, firstly 'Paris'..

We then went to Bellagios, where they have two Dale Chihuly glass installations..

..and a Spring flower exhibition in the conservatory..

This evening we went for a walk to see some of the lights..

We had dinner at a buffet restaurant and one of us was thrilled that the available desserts included candy floss...

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Zion to Bryce Canyon

Leaving Zion Lodge behind we set off up a very steep road through the canyon and through a 1.1 mile tunnel to start our journey over the plateau to Bryce Canyon.

Very soon the landscape started to change and the colours of the rock and earth became even more vivid.

We stopped for coffee at Mount Carmel Junction, a tiny settlement where the restaurant is famous for its 'Ho Made Pies' (there is a story to this of course..)

As we travelled along the high plateau there was still quite a bit of snow.

Arriving at Bryce Canyon and making our way to the first viewpoint at the canyon rim we were quite unprepared for the size and colours of the canyon.

We drove 18 miles to the end of the national park, a summit called Rainbow Point (around 9,300 feet above sea level) and then visited some of the viewpoints on the way back.  Each viewpoint revealed something new.. 

As the sun went down, parts of the Canyon fell into deep shadow - whereas other areas just glowed.,

Tonight we are staying at Ruby's Inn just outside the National Park.  Another family business like the Thunderbird Cafe which has benefited from the fascination of the extraordinary geology of this part of Utah.