Grand Canyon

We drove from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon and managed to book the last room in one of the lodges overlooking the actual canyon.  Incredible - the views were absolutely breathtaking!  And the lodge was  very rustic - much more my style of accommodation than Motel 6 (and not that much more expensive).  After arriving mid afternoon, we walked along the rim to the east - the weather was fantastic and we marvelled at the immense magnificence of the whole scene. 
We were up bright and early and, wearing our newly purchased US footwear (me in trainers - a bargain at $19.99 - Rob in proper hiking shoes - $65), we set off at 7.45am (no tea or coffee first) to hike down the Bright Angel trail into the canyon.  Unfortunately at this time of year we couldn't go all the way down to the Colorado River but we did descend over 3000ft to a plateau overlooking the river and only 500ft from the actual bottom.  My cheap trainers held up well but poor Rob's feet suffered with 2 blisters, a bruised big toe, a nail cutting into another toe, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah (ok stop dictating all your ailments Rob - we haven't even got onto your hip problem and digestive issues - this blog will go on for pages and no one's really interested!)  Despite all Rob's ailments, we still managed to complete the trail two hours less than the advisory time of 9 to 12  hours.
And it was a fantastic walk - well worth the effort - we must still be pretty fit from the cycling I guess.
We're planning to resurrect the bikes tomorrow  - they're in bits in the back of the jeep - and do an easy ride along the rim of the canyon to the west.  Just one more beer before bed I think - we deserve it, don't we? Most people take the helicopter ride to see the Canyon (I did suggest it but was met with a definite no from Rob and he wouldn't even compromise on a mule trip - he is SO bossy, aka bloody-minded!).  Think I deserve a bottle of Bollingers actually (or a crate) for staying the course on this trip with Rob!!
Having reconstructed the bikes, we cycled westwards round the rim for 9 miles each way - very easy without paniers although we were both suffering from the use of different muscles following our big trek yesterday.  Once again, we were astounded with the sheer size of the canyon which is actually made up of many canyons and ravines, having taken five million years to form.  I think this has been the best part of this  trip so far.  Big Sur was amazing, the San Juan islands were beautiful, Lake Tahoe, Yusemite, the beaches south of LA, the Redwoods, the Golden Gate Bridge and so much of the dramatic coastline and other places have all been very different and dramatic in their individual ways but the sheer size and grandeur of the Grand Canyon is incredible.