Better late than never they say. The trip was a couple of months ago. Beginning of April is a good time to visit the region. Moderate temperatures, high 60's everywhere, no sun-tan lotion required.
But boy was it a treat for the roaming lens!
The new EOS 30D and the Canon 17-85IS had a good time, with the 70-200 4.0 L stepping in at times to bring the distant temples closer.
Rough Itinerary
- 2 hour flight from SEA to Phoenix
- 3-4 hour drive from Phoenix to williams, AZ. ( good marriot facilities at most places in the area)
- 1+ hour drive from Williams to the south rim of Grand Canyon.
Just make sure you hold your breath before you step into the vista.The first thing you notice is the mind boggling expanse in front of you. The place will probably be crowded, but ignore everyone else. You are on a once in a lifetime journey, and dont let the others bother you.
Once you get accustomed to the sheer magnitude of the place, start looking at the details. Those temples you see in the distance? Most of them have names i am told.
After you have seen the canyon during the day, try the sunset. Though it might be a little windy, there is no sunset like this one. The sky and the canyon walls turn progressively red and dark. Its a spectacular show, never to be missed.
Watch out for the dust kicked up by the strong winds. Can get into your eyes, and your lens, especially if you change lenses on your SLR.
Once you have watched the show, head on over to the Grand Canyon Village for a great chow. They have a variety of foods from pasta, pizza, burgers salads, ice-cream, wine, beer, coffee, you name it. If you are lucky, you might even catch a moonlit night, and that would be another experience.
But for us, the day was over, and we head back to Williams (hour long drive, dont doze off) to sleep.
