Arizona - Sedona,Grand Canyon,Hopi Reservation.

Today was an early start. we left at 7.00 in a bus we had charted and had a guide named Dave.  He had lived in the area most of his life and was a wealth of information.  Over the day we went from an altitude of 90ft above sea level to8046 ft above sea level when we went over the San Fransisco peaks. Over the course of the day we travelled through cactus filled deserts, through elm groves and through snow. We headed first for Sendoa (via the (Navaho nation), which is a major location form many western movies.  There are five key rock formations; Castle Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Lee Mountain and Cathedral Rock.

Bell Rock

A drive in booth for Junk Food.  The meal is brought out to you in your car!

Sedona

A desert cactus!

After Sedona, we continued on our way.  We had a short stop over to stretch our legs near a small stream below:



Next we headed through the San Fransisco, which is an amazing contrast, featuring pine and elm forests and snow.

The next stop was at the petrol station.  The sign on the door helped remind us where we were!

Finally we arrived at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  It was a 3 Hr drive and the view was stunning. Pictures ccnnot do justice the immense size and scaleof it! It covers 446 river miles long and is up to 29km wide and 1.6 km deep! The geological formations that it depicts are very interesting, but also the area is rich with widelife.  Elks, deer, squirrels, and an array of birdlife are all within reach.  The snow was scattered about in pockets all around.

Below are someof my photos.  I have taken a series of photos which I hope to stich into a panorama when I get home.

An elk at the grand Canyon

We headed across to the Navaho Indian reservation, which comprised of little less than trailers and portable buildings.  They live a meagre existence.  The gift shop below was very well finished though!



Concorde Indian Reservation



An American Postbox!

We left the reservation and headed off on a 3 and a half hour drive back.  In all, it was a tiring day- but one which was an incredible experience which I will probably not encounter again!