Grand Canyon - and an unexpected delight

Grand Canyon and Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff is the nearest town to Grand Canyon.  It is also the home of the Lowell Observatory, famous for the discovery of the planet Pluto and for discovering that the universe is continuously expanding. We stopped off for a brief visit but were completely absorbed by the straightforward presentation of its history and the enthusiasm and depth of knowledge of the mainly volunteer staff. We viewed the sun's solar flares through their special solar telescope and went back again in the evening to visit the amazing planetarium and to view Saturn through a small reflector telescope. As we wrote in the visitor book – ‘we had intended to visit Grand Canyon today, but Marie’s fascinating presentation kept us here and we will be back tonight – Grand Canyon will have to wait’. ....

What can you say about Grand Canyon! It is immense – one mile deep, eighteen miles across and nearly 270 miles long. It has been carved out by the Colorado River over 6 million years and exposed rocks over 2 billion years old. We viewed the canyon at sunrise and at sunset; walked 7 miles along the rim and took the shuttle to each end of the main tourist area; we viewed it in high sun, by starry night and in the grip of a bitter cold, wet wind. It is truly awe-inspiring.  Words and photographs cannot do it justice.  Nevertheless we have hundreds of photographs ready for your compulsory viewing on or return!!

Intrepid photographer!

A glimpse of the Colorado river far below

And again

Sunrise

Sunset

Stunning scenery

Don't worry - we have quite a few more!!