A long way down...

see all photos »

When we set off to spend a day at the Grand Canyon, we didn't expect to descend into it. But as well as a lot of peering over the edge of the great geological wonder from various stunning vantage points, that's exactly what we did. The three hour trail from the south rim went to a flat expanse called Cedar Ridge along what is called the South Kaibab trail. Geologists estimate the rock formation here dates back around 280 million years. And in Canyon terms, thats not so old!

see all photos »

Walking into the Canyon yielded some stunning views, which made the hot, steep hike back more than worthwhile. The south rim is 7000 ft/ 2134 metres above sea level making walking more difficult (well, that's my excuse for the red face and the puffing on the way back up!).

After our ascent back to the rim, we learned about the many different types of rock which form the Canyon from various periods of time at one of the viewing platforms/ visitor centres. Don't ask me to name any of them, but it was really interesting, even for those of us without a GCSE in geography.

Livin' on the edge... Duncan couldn't bear to look so a kindly stranger took this pic!
see all photos »

Then as the sun began to set we drove along to various viewpoints, ending at sunset at the Desert View Watchtower, which was designed and built in the 1930's. The sun glowing amber around it provided us with a scenic end to the day, and yet another great adventure in North America.