The trip down

We were confident we'd have lots of time to get to the bottom of the canyon so we didn't rush too much in the morning. As it turned out, we missed the shuttle that takes hikers to the top of the South Kaibob trail, which is the most common route down. We were happy to use the Bright Angel trail which started just a few meters from the hotel. The Bright Angel trail is about 10 miles or 15 kilometers to Phantom Ranch where we had a bunk and a hot supper awaiting us at 6:30 pm.

The first 2-3 miles of the trail were snow packed with some icy patches. Particularly, at the very top. Borrowed walking poles were vital and I was fortunate to also have a pair of crampons which helped a lot.





Once we got below the snow line, the trail was clear and easy. We met this mule train on its way up later in the afternoon.







Finally we reached the Colorado river which runs through the Canyon and from there we had to follow the river a ways to reach Phantom Ranch.






A little wobbly, with incredibly sore legs, we arrived at Phantom Ranch just minutes before supper was to be served. We had been on the trail for eight hours, which is longer than most people take. But our poor old knees were still working, albiet a little stiffly! We were still able to climb into our top bunks (that's what happens when you're the last to arrive!) and, with the help of some pain killers, get some sleep.

Arriving at the Grand Canyon village

We flew into Phoenix and picked up a rental car. Following Interstate 17, we made our way first to flagstaff and then to the Grand Canyon village on the south rim. We arrived about 9:00pm on Monday, Feb. 25.

It had been sunny and hot in Phoenix, but it was cool on the south rim. The snow was piled up along the edge of the parking lot forcing us to step carefully over the snow banks to get to our room.

After a delicious late supper in the Bright Angel Lodge Restaurant, we went back to our room and I had a long soak in our large claw-foot bathtub. It was so large, I actually kept sliding down into the water and almost drowning. That doesn't happen very often, even for short people like me!

It was too dark to see the canyon even though it was right outside our door. We had to wait until the next day for our first glimpse.

On the road again

It's hard to believe it has been almost a year since I posted anything on this blog. The best intentions...... but no pictures ever made it onto the blog.

Well, I'm going to try again. This trip is half holiday and half work- the SITE conference. It's half over as I am now in Las Vegas for the conference but it is the first I've had access to the Internet.

This is sunrise in the Grand Canyon on the morning we left. (Saturday, March 1) I am currently still in culture shock trying to get used to Las Vegas. I have not been moved to take any pictures of the Strip, the hotel, or anything here. The Canyon experience was much more my style.

More later...

Home Sweet Home

Back home again and, as one person suggested, wondering what I'm doing here. It is hard to believe that our Greek Holiday is over. While I may have physically returned, I have not yet totally returned to my 'real life'. Tomorrow will be the first real test as I have to present at a conference. Nothing like deadlines to motivate!

This won't be the last post as I plan to put up a few more pictures, especially of the Zagoria villages since we weren't able to post pictures early in the trip. And there may be some reflections and insights to share as time passes. This was certainly one of the best, if not THE best holiday I have had and I don't want to let it end......

On the way home

Two hours to flight departure and about 10 or 11 hours to arrival in Edmonton. I have found a non-smokey internet connection in Heathrow, and since my bag was overweight and I had to use the last of my British pounds to pay for it I don't have enough money to go shopping! Thought the last pound could be used to make a final post to the Greek Holiday blog. Well, actually, this won't be the last one, but the last one from the road.

It is sunny and warm here again today- a perfect day to be sitting in Bridget's English Country Garden. I shall miss that glorious garden along with my friends. It was just lovely to be here and to meet Bridget's family and friends, and a large part of the village. The pig roast was fun but we came home early to have a cup of tea and a little chat before going to bed.

I shall remember my stay in Cassington very fondly and look forward to being here next year! Thanks so much Bridget and Stewart.

Between Parties

Another clear, sunny and warm day in Oxford. The party last night was a ashing success. The numbers did reach close to 40 and although there was a 'football' game on the 'tele', everyone fit into the 'garden' quite comfortably. Apparentely, the last of the partiers were escorted to the door just before 4 am. (I was impressed I had made it until almost 2!)

Today has been a very low-key day, sitting in the garden, sipping fizzy water and enjoying the company of a few friends. Most of the party clean up is done - many hands make light work as they say. I hated to leave the dappled sunshine, but I did withdraw and have a little nap later in the day.

Now we are preparing for the 40th birthday party of a young woman from the village. There is a pig roast being held in the local pub, which is conveniently located a couple of doors down. We should all be able to make our way home safely at the end of the evening. However, I will have to rouse my friends early in the morning to take me to the bus so I can make my flight back to Canada, so I have the feeling we won't be the last ones to leave this party!

How sad to see the end of the holiday looming in front of me. It has been a lovely three and a half weeks. I have to admit that 'the real world' has been starting to impose itself on my consciousness and I am definitely NOT looking forward to presenting at a conference in three days! That's rather difficult to get my head around, but I'm sure once it is in front of me, I will be just fine.

For now, I'm off to enjoy a Guinnes at an English Village Pub. (Oh, ok, I'll have one for you too Carol!)

A Birthday at Stork Cottage

Happy Birthday Bridget! We have clear and sunny skies for the big birthday bash today. It has been cloudy with a few rain showers since we arrived in England on Wednesday afternoon. But this morning it seems the gods are smiling on us.

Carol left for home yesterday and by now is ensconced in her own bed sleeping soundly, no doubt. I felt a great void when we put her on the bus for Heathrow. But my friends here in the English village of Cassington soon distracted me with their warm hospitality of which I will benefit for another two days. They will be two days of parties it seems as there are birthdays to celebrate. What a perfect way to finish a great vacation.

This is the view I see as I sit here typing today's post - a lovely English Garden (being set up for the evening's festivities). Stork Cottage is over 400 years old (yes, for you North Americans, that's four hundred!). My friends bought the cottage about three years ago and have done amazing work to fix it up. Very impressive and very picturesque. Good work B & S!

I don't know if I'll have much of a chance to post again in the next day or so as the house will be full of guests- only a handful of the 40-odd people will be staying overnight. Then tomorrow we attend a village birthday party and my flight is at noon on Sunday.

Interesting how the mixed feelings come up when we come to the end of a holiday. Some sadness at the ending, some anticipation of being back in one's own environment.