Antelope Canyon
Since we were staying in Williams, AZ, we had to get up at 3:00 am in order to arrive in Page, AZ in time for our 6:30 am kayaking adventure on Lake Powell. After receiving instructions on how to safely get into and out of the kayak and a demonstration of the correct paddling techniques, we walked down a very long boat ramp and got into our kayak. Donya sat in back so that she could steer and I sat in front. We paddled out onto the calm waters of the lake and followed our guide to Antelope Canyon. We got out of the kayak and hiked into the stunning slot canyon, ooohing and aaahing at every turn.
On the return trip we stopped for a swim where several people in our group, including Donya, jumped off a cliff into the water. What a fantastic adventure!
The Grand Canyon
We opted to visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, as opposed to the more popular (and crowded) South Rim. The Hualapai tribe owns and operates the facilities at the West Rim, including the Skywalk, a 10-foot-wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet out over the rim of the Canyon. Donya and I are not bothered by heights, so walking out on this platform wasn’t an issue for us.
After the Skywalk, we took a helicopter ride through the canyon and landed at the bottom where we boarded a boat for a cruise down the Colorado River.
The Colorado River is still carving the canyon, as evidenced by the erosion of the river bank (shown above). What an amazing way to experience this natural wonder.