In Shadows

This morning was reserved for a six hour trip to the Grand Canyon. I’ve never been there, so we were both really looking forward to it. We were picked up at the Tropicana and transported to an airstrip. From there we flew in a twenty seater commuter to the Hualapai reservation on the edge of the West Rim. That’s where they’re building the sky bridge out over the edge of the canyon. It’s far from completed, though they say it’ll be done by next year.

Our reservation was also for a helicopter ride to the canyon floor and a pontoon boat trip up the Colorado. Actually, I wouldn’t suggest it unless you show up in your own car. We barely had time to enjoy ourselves at the various stops on the transport bus through the reservation. Eagle Point was the spot for the future sky bridge. They had five examples of Indian dwellings there and we didn’t have time to go on the tour they provided. We did get a couple of good shots of the dancers they had out front.

From there we went to Guano Point for lunch. The cornbread was great! Unfortunately, again we were pressed for time and had to rush through lunch to get to our bus. We returned to the airport for the helicopter ride.

The helicopter was spectacular! My wife has never ridden in one before and it was a treat for her. It was also about fifteen degrees hotter at the floor of the canyon. At one point, it was 114 degrees while we were down there. From the landing area was a hot, difficult climb down to the river. Amazingly, the water was under 60 degrees! Wow! Cruised up and down, took pictures, and learned about the area and the Indians there. Then we had to climb back UP the trail to the landing area. Lost one lady; she nearly collapsed from heat stroke on the way. Needless to say, we let her take our helicopter back!

Eventually, we returned to the airstrip, caught our commuter back to Vegas and arrived at our hotel.

Tonight we attended the Tournament of Kings dinner theater at Excalibur. YAY! We sat in the King of Dragons section this time! (Last time we were there, we sat in the yellow section and wished we’d had tickets for the bad guys! LOL! Are you detecting a pattern about me and bad guys / gals, yet?) It was too bad our Dragon Knight didn’t win! I think the main king’s son was a wuss! Of course, I’m biased.)