Up early busy day. Great start breakfast with the Germans, waiter thinks I’m part of the tour group. No complaints. Remove all the baggage from bike.
Leave for airport at 8:00. Arrive at 10 past. Looks like I’m first here. Watch the crew do their safety checks, before they go through the safety briefing.
I’m sat in the front right side. Great seat. Rotors are running and the captain introduces herself to each of us. Gentle take off and we head across the forest. Probably only a hundred feet or so above the trees. Clear blue skies and the rim of the Canyon on the horizon. We don’t seem to be going very fast as we near the rim. WOW what a surprise, the depth and size as you come over the rim is amazing. The river runs off to the north and the colours are amazing. Dale the pilot is answering questions and briefing us on directions and place names. It’s a truly awe inspiring sight. The vastness is amazing. Dale completes her route over the next 30 minutes. Briefing us on names and formations as we circle the canyon. On the way back to the heliport she points out herds of buffalo roaming below. Soon out of the helicopter and keen to get back to the canyon.
Up to the tourisr info office on the bike. The park pass is twenty dollars but valued for seven days. Well worth it. The assistant explains everything I should do in the park, bombarding me with masses of information. I finally get away and ride up to the entrance. Two miles to the park and another three to the south rim.
Get a good view of the Canyon and a couple of shots of my bike in the foreground.
Take the bike down to Bright Angel trail head and lock it up. Its a 10 mile hike along the rim to Hermits view point with view points dotted along the way.
It’s a paved path with barriers at the more vulnerable spots. All immaculately clean, not a drop of litter to be seen. A far cry from China and the Stan’s.
It’s busy to start with but as I get further away from the gift shops and cafes I’m practically on my own.
Views are stunning and the Condors have appeared also. Gliding on thermals without a beat of their wings, there is also a few smaller birds about, but most have migrated south at this time of the year.
Coupe of hours into the walk and I spot a “Mule Deer” a huge animal just sat in the brush about 10 metres off the path. Takes a little time before I realise there are three of them spread over a small area. They don’t seem bothered by my presence at all and I’m within a couple of metres.
Finally arrive at the Hermits rest the end of this trail. Jump on a courtesy bus back to Bright Angel to pick up my bike.
I haven’t eaten since 7 this morning and its now nearly 5pm. Do I head back or eat and ride back in the dark. Eat and a couple of beers. Put my rear light on and set off home the 8 miles or so. Car drivers leaving the park are very courteous and leave me lots of space. Downhill and I’m in a hurry, as I speed along a herd of the Mule deer cross the road, at least two with a grand set of antlers. Best calm down wouldn’t want to run into them. Soon home safely to go through photos and videos before I shower and eat. PASTA and PIZZA not a place I’d recommend.

Excellent day.