Last Day Part 2.

The map again.

The cliff behind the outlook was rather imposing.


After the lookout, the road suddenly turned right and disappeared through the cliff.


18 miles up the road was the main reason that I had driven all this way. Horseshoe Bend.


From the top of the slight hill, I could just make out the local township of Page.


I could also see part of Lake Powell which was formed by the construction of Glen Canyon Dam and marks the upstream end of the Grand Canyon.


The first view from the top of the hill was a bit disappointing.


But once I got to the edge of the cliff, it was worth it.


The colours in the rocks and the river were amazing.


The height of the cliffs were approximately 300 metres, with no handrails. There were some silly German tourists perching on the edge and scaring their wives.






This stack just needed a strong look to fall over.




Bad self portrait, but at least I got one.


After my heartrate had calmed down, I really don't like depths, I staggered back over the hill to the car. It was 42 deg C and the airconditioning felt really good. I then drove upstream to the Glen Canyon dam.


Which had the Glen Canyon Bridge in front of it. It was only 215 metres above the river and had a substaintial handrail.


The rocks are a lot younger than the Grand Canyon.


I then wandered up the road a bit more and crossed into Utah. Well, enough to get to the sign and take another self portrait. Then a u-turn and went back to Page for dinner.


I stopped at the outlook at L, which had a great view of Lake Powell and the local marina.


The cliffs were a lot different.


There was also a local power station, which is strange as the dam produces hydroelectric power.


They had an old water turbine on display.


I walked across the bridge and was very impressed that they had camera cutout in the mesh fence for photo taking.




Looking downstream, Page is on the left.


The sunset was a bit disappointing.


Looking back at the dam in the twilight.


The light was really good.


I drove all the way back to another outlook at the Little Colorado river and took some star photos. It was very dark and very unfamilar with no moon.


Then the moon rose as I was passing Moran Point, so I stopped and took some moonlite shots. The lights on top of the rim opposite belong to the Grand Canyon Lodge on Bright Angel Ridge, about 500 metres higher than where I was.


I even managed a panorama. Not bad for 10 pm.


And that was pretty much my Grand Canyon trip. I got up in the morning and drove the 5 hours back to Vegas.



I did take a little detour.


But it turned out to be fairly boring. The charmingly named Peach Springs is in the middle of an Indian Reservation and is a dump. The only other town was Seligman and it mainly had trashy tourist shops.
My flight home was delayed due to fog in San Francisco and I ended up walking in my door about 11 pm.

I had a fantastic time and a big thankyou to all those who helped, especially my gorgeous Louise. ;)