Day 19: Flagstaff to Grand Canyon.

Had breakfast by myself today. "She who cannot be named" was not felling well. So, I sat at the counter (just like in the movies) and had my short stack plus bacon and of course lots of coffee.

Set of for Grand Canyon taking an indirect route (via Cameron) so as to arrive at the east entrance at Desert View. Had brought lunch at a healthy type supermarket across the road from the motel.

Now armed with our National park annual pass we detoured into Sunset Crater and Wupatki pueblo ruins. They were the same group of people that also settled in Mesa Verde and Walnut Canyon. These people were/ are referred to as the anatazi or sinagua people (sinagua means without water). Was very interesting.

While walking one of the Sunset crater walks (over lava fields and cinders) we meet a group of elderly americn women who were doing the same thing (they were aged 79 to 87). Anyway we managed, well I should say I, to led one of them off the track. Regan and Kerry went back to find her group and "she who cannot be named" and I took this woman back to the car park. It all ended well. We got to meet up with them and all the stops we made in this part of the national monument.

Finally got to the East entrance around 4 pm. We did stop off to look at the "little Colorado". At this stop Kerry and "she who cannot be named" brought some authenic Navajo jewellery. 

We stopped to see our first view of Grand Canyon at Desert View. Spent a bit of time their looking and looking with the odd WOW thrown in.

Arrived at the Bright Angel Lodge around 5pm. Ckecked in and settled in to our cabins. Then it was off to the canyon rim to see the sun set. Great views. Another WOW moment.

What a great day. I'm buggered from driving all day.

Great cabins, well appointed and comfortable. Couldn't believe the mass of people. Just as we arrived three bus loads of tourists arrived. Mainly Asian. Infact at Grand Canyon you hear a lot of different languages spoken, such is its pulling power.

Had an early evening walk along the canyon. Lots of people including Regan and Kerry filming the sunset.

Had a great dinner, then it's off to the gift shop. Regan is collecting those flat penny images, so we know where to find him. Mind you to his credit he has quite a collection.