Grand Canyon
After departing Santa Fe, it suddenly dawns on me--we're almost home! Hooray! Almost simultaneously a more melancholy thought fixes itself--the trip is over. I'll be back by the end of the day, barring unforeseen circumstances. It sure has been a spectacular journey, but I decide I'm more happy about going home than sad about it being over. To help me forget the downsides, we will be passing over some of the most spectacular terrain we've yet visited--the Grand Canyon.
If you've never flown over the Grand Canyon in a private plane, you're missing out on some of the most beautiful terrain nature has to offer. Why this particular river produced this magnificent spectacle in the particular place is a mystery to me, but it is one of the wonders of the airborne world to behold. Below is a brief photo essay taken with a camera woefully inadequate to communicate the grandeur. I hope some of the flavor will seep through my poor technique, but if not, go can always go there and see for yourself!
The colors and terrain are breathtaking!
|
$400,000 airplane, $1000 headset, $275 sunglasses, but Bob still manages to look like a geek; you can dress him up, but you just can't take him out! |
The first hint of tributaries that lead into the Grand Canyon. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
First view of Canyon proper, not just tributaries! |
|
Now we're seeing a forest along the rim... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
You can land right here near the visitor's center... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
As we veer away from the majestic vistas of the Grand Canyon, the stereo is playing an appropriate refrain--Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye." Goodbye, Grand Canyon, I assure you I'll be back!