View from the Top

This is the moment many of us have been waiting for. To explain the significance of the moment for me, I need to go back in time a bit to a much different part of my life. For several years I toured with a variety of rock bands as a crew member doing lighting and/or pyrotechnics & special effects. In my travels I was blessed to view many parts of the US and have seen many beautiful sites. However, there were two areas that always seemed to escape me as we traveled near them in the dark of night.  One was Yellowstone National Park and the other… the Grand Canyon.  I made a promise to myself I would make sure to see them and almost 20 years later, I finally get to know one of them off my list.

When we arrived at the gates of the national park the entire bus felt electrified waiting for the first glimpse of this wonder. We arrived at the visitors center where you can get information on hikes and other exploration opportunities available. We all gathered as our Adventure Guide Tiffany gave us a safety briefing before we made the few hundred yard hike to one of the viewing areas.

People have always said that there are truly no words to describe the site, and no one picture can truly do it justice….  And after seeing this amazing site, I agree.  The only word I could say was.. wow…..

Sharing the magic - Annette, Michelle, Tiffany, Beci

Sharing the magic – Ann & George

Sharing the magic – Linda, Deb & Wanda

After spending some time viewing this massive wonder, we picked our jaws up off the ground and boarded the bus for the hotel. We will call the Grand Hotel our home for the next two nights. I have to be honest; we had read many of the trip reports from past guests on this adventure and didn’t have high expectations.  Granted, the hotel is not a deluxe property that one would expect however, we found the hotel to be on par with a value to lower end moderate Disney property. It was clean, with nice sized rooms and provided a coffee maker with some rooms having wireless internet access. It seemed the closer to the lobby, the better the connection. Why would Disney go for a less then deluxe property?  Let’s just say given the other options in the immediate area… they actually did. In other words, The Grand Hotel seems to truly be the best quality option with modern conveniences, convenient location to local services and close proximity to the grand canyon.

We checked in and enjoyed a nice BBQ buffet dinner with native American entertainment.

Tomorrow – we return to the canyon.

View from the Top

This is the moment many of us have been waiting for. To explain the significance of the moment for me, I need to go back in time a bit to a much different part of my life. For several years I toured with a variety of rock bands as a crew member doing lighting and/or pyrotechnics & special effects. < more... >

En route to the Canyon

It was an early morning as our luggage had to be ready for pick up at 7 am. I rolled out of bed, packed up and made my way to the breakfast buffet before boarding the bus for the ride to the Grand Canyon.

Our first stop was at Red Rock National Park to embark on a nature walk. The Adventure Guides loaded us up with water and we headed off into the trail with a local expert. It was a moderate walk primarily in the shade, with a series of switch backs leading to the top of a hill that offered a spectacular view.

Michelle & Annette taking in the view

Adventure Guide Mike and the kids

Or next stop was in the town of Tlaquepaque where we had an opportunity to have lunch explore the shops and galleries.  There were several restaurants to choose from and a group of us made our way to a local brewery featuring burgers, salads, and usually pizza is the specialty of the house. Unfortunately the pizza oven was down during our visit so…..  burger it is! It was also nice to partake in an adult beverage as well while enjoying the company of some new friends.

After lunch, we made our way right to the shop featuring chocolate concoctions (anyone who knows Annette wont be surprised…)  as well as ice cream, float drinks and… lollipops with different insects… yes really… encased in the middle.  (yummy…) 

Back on the bus, just as the lighting started up and we are on the road again.  More later!

En route to the Canyon

It was an early morning as our luggage had to be ready for pick up at 7 am. I rolled out of bed, packed up and made my way to the breakfast buffet before boarding the bus for the ride to the Grand Canyon.

Our first stop was at Red Rock National Park to embark on a nature walk. < more... >