GRAND CANYON

WEDNESDAY, 18th MAY.

Before leaving Ash Fork for the 80 mile drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, we stopped at the service station/trading post store to refuel the car and for $6 bought a cup of coffee, a hot, hot chocolate and a deliciously fresh doughnut each and after having devoured them, drove on with much excitement and anticipation.  We were not disappointed!  At the entrance gate to the National Park, we purchased an $80 annual pass, which entitles us to visit any national park in the country which will be a saving for us as we plan to visit quite a few.  Parking inside the park is free and having found a space in the crowded car park, we walked to our first viewing place, then followed the rim trail for an hour or so before deciding to catch one of the free shuttle buses which stop at about 8 other places, each one a little different from the others but all spectacular.  All in all, we spent 7 hours admiring the stunning scenery, and on the drive out of the park, stopped at a few more viewing spots, we were simply overawed.  On our eventual departure from the park, we drove on down through some lovely scenery to Flagstaff for a couple of nights, and a bit of r and r.