I am back from a wonderful drive through the Southwest and my first visit to the Grand Canyon. Here is my very first late afternoon peek at this natural wonder.

Here I am sitting on the edge of the canyon:

On our first afternnoon, we took a long walk along the rim, heading east. On Sunday morning, we hiked almost the whole western rim trail, but finally stopped and took the shuttle to the end and then back to the Inn. We stayed at the historic El Tovar Inn at the park. Here are a two more photos of the majestic canyon:

On Monday morning, we left the park and drove out over the Painted Desert – WOW! It was one big visual experience. We arrived in Zion National Park late in the afternoon and found our bed and breakfast in the town of Springdale. We found that we could take a shuttle from the town to the park and then take a shuttle through the park, stopping and getting back on whenever we wanted. After a good night’s sleep, we headed for the park and took the shuttle to the end. At each stop there was a hike that you could take. We did almost all of them except up to Angel’s Landing because Steve does not do well with heigths.

Zion Canyon is breathtaking because of the colors and the shapes of the rock formations. It just took my breath away. Here are some photos:

Zion waterfall:

Here I am along the raging Virgin river, the river that has carved out this canyon.

The three patriarchs

On the final trail back to park headquarters.

We spent last night in Las Vegas. Sort of going from the sublime to the ridiculous, but I did win $57 at the penny slots!!

It is good to be home. Now to catch up on all my fave bloggers!!