GRAND CANYON FROM THE TOP plus aerial views of two large lakes near Phoenix

 

The last part of our 9000 mile, 5 month trip was to meet Jo’s son Jeff,  sister Barbara, husband Mike, niece Laura and grandniece Katie at Grand Canyon for 3 days. I had not visited the South Rim for many years.

 

This is from the Desert View observation point, the easternmost in the Grand Canyon National Park. In the background is the stretch of the Colorado River from which we could see the south rim when rafting. It is just downstream from where the Little Colorado joins the Colorado.

 

hShadows cast by clouds help to give a better idea of the vastness of the canyon.

 

Jo at another observation point.

 

Here is part of the trail taken by those who prefer to ride the mules every day to the point overlooking the river. The wooded area  is Indian Gardens

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Elk wander freely in the park. The bull keeping track of his harem is at the far left.

 

The thunderstorm is over the North Rim.

 

Here is most of our party at Hermit’s Rest, the westernmost observation point in the park: Jo, Jeff, Laura, Barbara and Mike.

Soft morning light also helps to show depth in the photos. Here the camera is pointed at the area where the two passenger jets went down which collided in midair over the canyon in 1956 .

Jo and I had a nice flight with Jerry and Nancy Grout on Oct. 15. Here is part of Lake Roosevelt from the air. The light area in the foreground is a reflection from the plane’s window.

 

Saguaro Lake, with the dam creating it in the middle left. Saguaro is the lake on the Salt River chain of lakes closest to the metropolitan area. Sorry about the reflections, but at 150 mph it is not safe to open the plane’s door for an unobstructed view!