Road Trip!!!!

Trip Start Aug 17, 2009
1
53
56
Trip End Jul 16, 2010


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Where I stayed
Campsite

Flag of United States  , Arizona
Thursday, July 1, 2010

So we checked out of our lovely hotel and bid farewell to Vegas.  Next stop the Hoover Dam, approx 25 miles away - unfortunatly everyone else wanted to go there also and we got stuck in an enourmous queue for ages.  Finally got there and parked up to take a few piccies, 108 degrees outside so walking around was a real effort.  Interesting landmark and well worth seeing but only for a very short time due to the heat!!  Next stop was the 'Skywalk' at the West side of the Grand Canyon, 100 miles away (this is the clear glass floor that has been built that protrudes over the canyon).  We drove there in the heat and prepared ourselves to have a look, got there and were told that the $29.95 price advertised on the internet is not actually accurate as you have to get a shuttle bus to the site itself which is only included in the 'gold' package which costs $86 each!!  Basically although they advertise three different entry fees the only one that is viable is the most expensive as its impossible to actually get there with the other two as its on private property and you are not allowed to drive yourself - private property hence the extortionate prices
the queue for the hoover dam
the queue for the hoover dam
!    We had a small discussion, told the lady behind the counter what we thought of the false advertising then made the decision to drive to the south entrance which was cheaper but 4hrs away:((
Stopped off at a local shop for supplies on the way and the lady in there told us loads of people come in annoyed about the price of the Skywalk and apparantly they dont even do a childs discount!  Theiving Bastards!  Anyway 4hrs and a very tired and sore neck later we arrived at the park.  Found a little campsite called 'Ten X' (I was having camp crystal lake visions) and paid $10 to rent a little private lay-by where we parked up and slept in the car again.
Managed to sleep until around 9am and after a wash and dress we set off for breakfast at Wendys (my cholesteral levels are rising by the day) and headed the 5 or so miles to the park.  $25 entrance fee and we drove through the frankly enourmous park, there are lodges everywhere, resteraunts, toilets, shops and mule houses scattered around the walkways.  Got to the first viewpoint and WOW its AMAZING!!!  All gripes about the drive were forgotten when we saw the sheer size and rock formations in the canyon.  Took masses of photos then headed to the end point where we parked up and saw the mules bringing the trail people back from their overnight stay in the bottom of the canyon, no doubt an amazing experience but the mules smelt bad and 8hrs on the back of one in the 90 degree heat doesnt appeal that much to me
the water its stopping
the water its stopping
!  We then went on a mini hike for around 1 and a half miles around the rim which was great and gave us even more wonderful views, cheated a bit and caught the bus back as we were both hot and sunburned by then!  Drove to the last viewpoint which gave a completley different angle that the other two and again was amazing then it was time to leave.  You can spend a week in the park with each ticket and I can see how you can make the most of the time by hiking some trails and going on the bus tours, you have to be careful though as there are signs up everywhere warning of the dangers of being unprepared in the canyon and tales of recent deaths:((
So next stop Santa Cruz to spend Independance Day with Chris, very very long drive, did 6 hours one day literally down empty desert roads and 6 hours the following day - were praying that the car would be ok as I would not like your chances if you broke down in the middle of nowhere!  Luckily it was fine and we got there safe and sound but sick of bloody driving!!
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