Hello from Ibiza (2)
September 28, 2004, 9:45 pm
We just returned to the resort after a gorgeous evening and decent dinner in Santa Eularia del Riu. Today we spent the whole day driving from beach to beach, starting on the northwest side of the island, just north of Sant Antoni, continuing towards the north side of the island and ending up in Santa Eularia.
The first we visited was La Salada, just north of Sant Antoni, a place only reached via a very stony road. After parking the car we had to walk another 10 or 15 minutes and we reached a very secluded beach with rocky platforms where a few people (mostly nudists) were sunning themselves. The view towards the sea included a rocky island off the coast – what an amazing vista!
We continued on through the interior of the island and enjoyed the hilly, rather quiet road. Then we reached Sant Miquel, and the Port de Sant Miquel which is a very beautiful little town. The next beach, Cala de Benirras, is also very beautiful with a rocky outcrop in the middle of the bay. The scenery with the coastal hills, rocky outcrops and the sea is just absolutely stunning.
We continued on towards Portinatx and visited several beaches there, again some of them with rocky outcrops situated in the various bays. Then we made our way to Sant Joan de Labritja to Cala Vicent which again is a stunning beach looking out toward the island of Tagomago. We spent a bit of time there, but the wind blowing in from the sea was really cool so we packed up and kept visiting and photographing beach after beach just north of Santa Eularia.
All the while we commented on how small this island is and how much immense beauty there is concentrated here. For dinner we went to Santa Eularia which has one of the most beautiful seafront promenades that I have ever seen.
We had a 3 course dinner (menu del dia) at the Bar Sinatra Restaurant which appeared to be a very upscale place. A regular soup of the day was listed on the menu for 6.25 Euros! We on the other hand had a nice dinner with appetizer, main course and free drink (including wine) for 10.50 Euros. My grilled pork chops were not the absolutely best, or at least tastiest, but for the amount we paid we got a great value.
After a little icecream at the sea front we decided to get going to get ready for our big trip to the island of Formentera tomorrow.
The Beautiful Seville
Seville, or Sevilla in Spanish, is located on the banks of the River Guadalquivir, within the region of Andalusia, towards the southern area of the country. This town is recognized as one of the most famous and interesting of not only Spain but the entire Europe as well.
One of the best times of the year tourists can choose for visiting Seville is in April when they could enjoy the Feria de Abril. The Feria de Abril de Sevilla consists on a week long party in which eating, drinking and dancing are the main activities. Besides been able to enjoy some amazing foods, drinks and music, tourists who approach the town during this époque could also observe some parades and learn about The traditions of the town.
Another good moment tourists could choose for visiting Seville is during the Holy Week, after the Feria de Abril. During the Holy Week or Semana Santa, tourists could observe some religious and symbolic processions. This way, during this time of the year, from April to March, Seville receives a great amount of visitors and it is recommendable to make sure of counting on a room or a place where to stay before arriving.
Seville offers a great amount of interesting spots to visit year around. One of this spots, located within the old city, is the Catedral de Sevilla or Cathedral of Seville, an antique construction very interesting from not only an architectonic point of view but from a historic and artistic one as well.
Another great place tourists should make sure of visiting while being in Seville is the Mudejar Royal Palace, also called the Alcazar. This palace has some of the most beautiful gardens visitors could meet in the entire region. Another place tourists should try to visit is the Casa de Pilatos, a house of great dimensions built during the XVI century and which combines different styles, mainly gothic and Renaissance, in a unique way.
The Puente de Triana or Triana Bridge is another spot which tourists should not miss while being in Seville. This bridge is located over the Guadalquivir River and is very interesting due to its construction as well as to the where it leads, the neighborhood of Triana which is a very charming area, full of narrow streets and antique houses.
Enjoy the beauty of Alaska with Royal caribbean alaskan cruises
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Enjoy the beauty of Alaska
with Royal caribbean alaskan cruises
In the land of the midnight sun, you’ll need every extra minute
of daylight if you want to experience it all. For starters let’s
talk about the ships. With Royal caribbean alaskan
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going to be amazed at what you see. Our cruise ships are the
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And there is even more. How about attending an art auction, or
turn it out dancing in a nightclub. There are even supervised
activities for baby and little kids and teenagers, our Adventure
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When you travel with Royal caribbean alaskan
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Everything in Alaska is bigger, including the adventures. If you
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There are plenty of beautiful and incredible places to see. Take
a scenic arctic adventure on White Pass & Yukon, known as the
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venture outside the city to see Alaska ’s wilderness closer .
Get amazed with the Hubbard Glacier, one of the most active
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guided mountain-bike tour.
And about what you should wear, we recommend jeans, jackets,
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With so much to see and so much to do onboard you’ll never be
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Gatlinburg’s Real Estate Market
Real estate in Gatlinburg is thriving. While the 2000 census estimated that some 3,300 people live year-round in Gatlinburg, many thousands more visit during every season of the year. As these crowds visit Gatlinburg to enjoy the outdoor activities and other attractions, hundreds of cabins in Gatlinburg are bought and sold each year. Currently many new buildings and communities are being developed.
Rental income is a primary objective of many Gatlinburg real estate owners. More and more people are viewing ownership Gatlinburg cabins as an excellent source for supplemental income. On the high end, the cost of buying a luxurious cabin can run from $250,000 to $500,000, the rental income can easily range from $25,000 to $85,000 a year.
In considering where to buy a rental cabin, one benefit of Gatlinburg is its prime location — within a day’s driving distance of half the American populace. The close proximity, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding Smoky Mountains, ensures that thousands of visitors will rent from owners of Gatlinburg real estate.
Even without renting, Gatlinburg real estate is a valuable asset. Over the past few years, many Gatlinburg cabin owners have experienced appreciation of 7% to 14% a year. In other words, many in Gatlinburg have seen their real estate investments outpace stock market returns. Smaller cabins can be bought directly from existing owners for as little as $75,000.
While many opt to buy cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, others prefer the challenge and excitement of purchasing undeveloped land and building their dream cabin from the ground up. At least in the beginning stages, this option is often affordable, with many land lots starting at $15,000. As property values continue to rise, some investors are buying Gatlinburg land without the intention of building, but only holding it for a few years, and then reselling it to the highest bidder.
In addition to the financial advantages, owners of Gatlinburg real estate enjoy the area’s natural and other benefits. Gatlinburg real estate can make relaxing and convenient summary escape or second-home. Some of the newest real estate developments in Gatlinburg are rental and ownership communities, which often include swimming pools, central patios, and clubhouses. In addition, there are several attractions only minutes, such as Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
There are several Gatlinburg realtors online who can assist you directly with the real estate buying process.
Flower Pictures in Tuscany
It’s springtime in Tuscany, early May. Arriving at Pisa airport the air smells different, dryer, lighter, brighter with the alluring waft of some flower scent, even amid the concrete hustle and bustle common to airports everywhere. I’m travelling light, or as light as you can get when your camera bag is your hand luggage and you couldn’t quite leave the tripod behind. Not when the mission is a whistle-stop orchid extravaganza, to try and photograph as many different sorts of orchid as we can find, in under a week.
Heading off in a hire car, we leave Pisa behind and take to the hills, a winding, twisting, and convoluted back road towards Siena. The air is fresher and the hint of flowers strengthens until we are overwhelmed by the honeyed scent of broom, pouring in through the car windows. Every which way you look there is a picture postcard scene, comprising the essential props of a Tuscan photo – cypress trees, warm brick farmhouse and stone church, with gently curving green hills behind. Is it possible to take a bad photograph in Tuscany? Well yes it is. If I give in to temptation and snap every tempting vista, I’m going to find the bright midday light turns everything to dull monochrome, flattens the colours and wastes all my film before I’ve even started on the orchids. I’ll have to note the best views and try to come back in early morning or evening light, when it all magically turns golden and lucid.
We know where we are heading – south of Siena some friends have been walking through veritable meadows filled with orchids. The challenge will be to find those places by car, along the strada bianca (dirt roads) that crisscross the countryside. The other challenge is reaching our destination, when every few yards we spot a flower spike on the roadside and have to screech to a halt to identify it. Fresh from England any orchid at all is a rarity, but after an hour we are already blasé and we no longer stop for ‘just another spotted orchid’.
The next day we are up bright and early at our first spot on the lower slopes of Monte Amiata. There is an open clearing surrounded by stunted oak trees and bingo – a lavish sprinkling of bee orchids, my favourites, with their furry lip that looks just like a bumble bee. Now the advantage of early morning light and sparkling dewdrops is offset by the fact that I’ll have to lie down in the damp grass to get a good angle. Remember to bring a waterproof next time. I should use a tripod, but first I’m looking through the camera to choose the finest specimens and best setting. Some I need to trim the grass around, either with nail scissors or by gentle flattening down. A wide aperture will take care of the background but I don’t want any blurring of grass waving in the foreground. Sort out tripod, get light reading and bracket, bracket, bracket.
These are pre-digital days, I’m using tranny and colour saturation has to be spot on, so to be safe I’ll do five half-stop brackets. I can’t reshoot from back home once I’ve processed it all and seen the results. This also means I have to be selective, I’ll only get six shots to a roll of film, so just the best flowers and best angles.
Moving across the clearing, as the light strengthens, I find a fly orchid, this time impersonating a bluebottle fly, not as pretty as the bee orchid but striking, then setting up for that shot I nearly tread on a fragrant orchid, delicate pink flowers. I have to be quick now before the light gets too harsh and contrasty. Three in the bag and it’s off to a bar to get a second breakfast of cappuccino and brioche. The film is safe in a cool box – hot cars at midday don’t do much for it! The middle of the day is for scouting the evening’s shoot, then lunch and a siesta. The light won’t be good again until about 5 o’clock, but we have to be in the right place by then to make the most of it. So it’s driving the back roads again between Buonconvento and Casciano di Murlo.
Over the next few days we cross off our list the green-winged orchis, pyramidal orchid, lady orchid, the monkey orchid with its long tail, a man orchid – not so easy to spot with its greeny-yellow colouring, but now we’ve got our eye in the orchid shape leaps at us from all sides. A lot of these orchids are also supposed to be common in Britain but I’ve never seen any of them there, here in Italy they’re everywhere – must be something to do with farming methods, pesticides and all the rest. Here there are a lot of small-scale farmers, subsistence farming is dying out but huge commercial agricultural companies haven’t taken over. There are also a lot of woodland and unfarmable hilly slopes. Orchids on the roadsides though, that’s just showing off!
At the end of the week it’s back to Pisa, hand in the hire car, just slightly dented from overly-steep off-road experiences, and try to persuade the security people to hand search the film bag rather than X-ray it, which could fog the film. They promise that their machine is so modern and foolproof that you can put film through safely but I’m not taking any chances and eventually they agree. So only one more hurdle to go, the lab back home, processing and seeing what I’ve got – that heart stopping moment before opening the envelope, the huge sigh of relief when you see images on the film, then examining each one carefully and remembering the scent of the Italian countryside in springtime.
Copyright 2005 Kit Heathcock
Foreign Currency Research Online
Currency exchange is establishing itself as one of the most prominent industries in this centuries forever shrinking globe. With nations buying and selling, foreign currency presently has a worth on the world market-place and there are even a good number of people who make it their chosen career to buy foreign currency.
Have you ever heard of foreign currency trading? Just like stocks buying and selling, it is the buying and selling of currency positions and people may make good returns for the reason that different currencies each have different positions on the world market. Obviously, if you are utilising US dollars, then you could possibly not notice the difference, but this business functions at its optimal level if you are exchanging, say, Brazil Reais for Latvia Lati. Foreign Currency Direct are a great resource if you’re looking to trade in foreign currencies.
Currency exchange of course has a significant amount to do with trade of goods. Businesses that ship their services over-seas, are paid foreign currency, which, unfortunately, they will probably not be permitted to utilise domestically, and so they get their currency exchanged. Moving past this, the current prices on the world-wide market-place are always dictated because of currency exchange, so individuals can suffer revenue loss if their country’s currency currently has a weak position when compared to the stronger currencies, for instance the US dollar and the Pound
Foreign currency trading is obviously critically important throughout travel. Obviously, should you skip over to Europe, then maybe you very much need to have your money exchanged to Euros thus you might well purchase more goods and services. Of course, the American dollar is exchangeable nearly anywhere in the world, however, there are a significant number of nations where individuals obviously need the precise amount in payment for services. Purchasing services with US dollars when you are overseas will probably only cause inconvenience for other individuals for the simple reason that they too, will obviously need to get the currency converted. This is becoming the the primary reason why the vast majority of international transit hubs already have foreign currency trading services therefore, consequently you won’t find it a requirement to jaunt all around the land scanning for retailers or individuals who buy foreign currency. It doesn’t need stating that there are also on line web sites, which buy overseas currency, and so, consequently you can get your currency exchanged on the net and also withdraw any of it in local currency wherever you are currently located on the world.
The Attraction to Theme Parks
Amusement Business Magazine has revealed the top ten theme parks in North America for 2004 based on attendance figures. As expected, six of those ten are owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. Although no numbers were released for theme park visitor count elsewhere, it’s safe to assume that the brand also dominates internationally, as its newest theme park HongKong Disneyland just opened. Here is how the list looked with a short overview of its attractions.
And don’t forget to check out the Australian theme parks too. There is a great range down under as well.
1. The Magic Kingdom at Disney World (FL)
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 and is located 30 minutes south of Orlando. Cinderella Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain are just some of its popular attractions. Kids will be thrilled getting autographs from Disney characters at Mickey’s Toontown Fair. 2. Disneyland (CA)
The world’s most famous theme park recently celebrated its 50th anniversary called the “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” which was attended by, among others, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Indiana Jones Adventure and Haunted Mansion have been hailed by critics to be the parks best rides.
3. Epcot at Walt Disney World (FL)
Originally called EPCOT Center (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) when it opened in October 1982, the park was envisioned to be a futuristic city with controlled environs. Now, it is known to be a “learning-oriented” attraction in where science and international culture blend.
4. Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World (FL)
The park functions both as a full-service production lot and theme park. Five major sections make-up the park: Hollywood Blvd., New York St., Mickey Ave., Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Blvd. Of all the rides here, Tower of Terror has been said to be the best of the modern-day attractions. The freefalling thrill ride is based on the classic television show The Twilight Zone.
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World (FL)
This 500-acre theme park focuses on animals and dinosaurs. The people behind it are quick to point out, though, that it is not a zoo since there certainly is a lot more to see and do here than animals on display. It’s Tough To Be A Bug and Tree Of Life are the top picks among the attractions.
6. Universal Studios at Universal Orlando (FL)
Universal’s Revenge of the Mummy ride is widely proclaimed to be among the best rides ever with coasters reaching top speeds and gut-displacing drops. It also gets props for effectively incorporating story into an action-filled ride with stunning special effects. Another reason for its success is the family-oriented approach Universal chose which means it’s relatively docile compared to its predecessors.
7. Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando (FL)
Undoubtedly, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is the number one reason visitors keep coming back to this theme park. Merging 3D graphics with the most advanced motion base simulation technology, this ride takes visitors on a whole new level of fun and excitement that even the most jaded ride enthusiast will come out totally blown away.
8. Disney’s California Adventures (CA)
Soarin’ Over California is the perfect attraction for anyone who has always dreamed of flying. This attraction simulates a hang glider “soaring” over California’s best known locations such as the Golden Gate Bridge, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, and even Disneyland itself. It has become one of the most visited attractions in the two Disney parks it is featured in. Scents corresponding to the places shown on screen are incorporated into the wind effects for added realism.
9. SeaWorld Florida (FL)
Aside from the usual marine shows, SeaWorld also boasts its own roller coaster and making it floorless gives the ride an added thrill factor. It’s also the tallest of its kind in Central Florida. There are motion simulator rides, a marine life exhibit, and, at Discovery Cove, visitors can swim with dolphins. Truly, a far cry from the whale-splashing attraction it used to be.
10. Universal Studios Hollywood (CA)
The rides and attractions at Universal Studios are all tied with Universal’s movies. There is also the famous backlot tour on a tram that visits famous film sets and complete special effects. The most recent addition to line-up is Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds set. Guests can also be part of the studio audience at television show tapings. About 35,000 visitors come to Universal Studios daily, majority of them also from Southern California. It is also the largest film studio-theme park in the world.
MDINA, ‘THE WALLED, SILENT CITY OF GHOSTS’…
No visit to Malta would be complete without a visit to its elegant, walled city of Mdina and its suburb, Rabat, in the Old City. Mdina and Rabat are steeped more than 4000 years in history when they formed part of a Roman settlement. Walking through Mdina, one feels as if one has been transported in a time capsule to another era of bygone yesteryear. It was here, in AD60, that the Apostle St Paul was rumoured to have lived whilst shipwrecked in the Maltese Islands.
A silent city by day where automobiles are generally off-limits (more out of respect for the ghosts of the city), Mdina really comes alive at night when hundreds of twinkling lamps and lanterns dotted within the walled interiors of the city transform the narrow, curved streets leading onto bastions and palace courtyards into something out of a fairytale. You can enjoy a delicious al-fresco meal at one of the countless restaurants of Mdina and enjoy a glass of chilled beer in any one of the bars under the glittering lights of this exotic walled city.
This old, medieval capital of Malta rises high above the Maltese Islands and offers panoramic vistas of the city. Many walking tours and scenic bus tours are available to discover the hidden delights of this magical city.
The Maltese Islands are at the very heart of the Mediterranean and are often referred to as the islands of sunshine and history. Less than a three hour flight from the UK and with a good range of airlines such as Air Malta and GB Airways operating daily flights from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham as well as low cost carriers now operating from other regional airports, it has never been easier to get to Malta for a quick getaway or a longer holiday. Whether you’re after a weekend break or a fortnight in the sun, you’ll find it all on www.mymalta.co.uk, the Malta specialists. Book your trip online and receive great savings on luxury hotels and cheap flights as well as a regular e-letter updating you on regular special free night offers, room upgrades and heavily discounted holiday packages.
Once you’ve seen the ancient city of Malta and its walled city of Mdina, been done by some innocent looking street vendor offering you a once-in-a-lifetime bargain and relaxed on the soft honeycomb at Ghadira Bay…it’s then time to go diving! Malta offers amazing diving and water sport opportunities for both beginners and advanced open water and cave divers in its tiny, unspoilt island of Comino with its stunning blue lagoon. All visitors to Malta should take the time to visit the uninhabited island of Comino and the tranquil, green island of Gozo. Day trips to nearby Italian and Sicilian cities are very popular with tourists who can get there by car and passenger ferries.
Golfing Holidays in Hermanus
Apart from being one of the most acclaimed tourist destinations in the world, South Africa is internationally acclaimed for its numerous, highly ranked and aesthetically designed courses. In the Western Cape area alone there are more than 30 high ranking courses.
Golfing in the Western Cape
Visitors to the Western Cape quickly fall in love with the provinces amazing golf courses which are set in some of the most scenic landscapes and offer spectacular vistas. The fantastic weather, gorgeous accommodation offerings and variety of non-golfing attractions and activities enable everyone to have a fantastic golfing holiday in the Western Cape.
Golfing Holiday in Hermanus
Hermanus is a gorgeous coastal town located approximately an hour’s drive from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Each year tourists from all over South Africa and the world escape the hectic pace of everyday life in this tranquil and scenic holiday town. Hermanus is comprised of spectacular coastlines, pristine beaches, lagoons and rivers and is home to two of the Western Cape’s most acclaimed golf courses. What could be better than a holiday escape to a picturesque location that offers excellent golfing?
The Courses
The Hermanus Golf Club is set amidst gorgeous sea views and a dramatic mountainous backdrop. This 18-hole course was designed by Bob Grimsdell and is one of the most popular courses in the country.
The Hermanus golf club has hosted several top golf tournaments and exhibitions including the National Inter Provincial Match Play Tournament, the SA Country Districts Tournament, the Boland Open, the Hermanus Open tournament and the annual Walker Bay Classic. The course has hosted many golfing legends including the likes of Bobby Locke, Peter Thompson, Sam Snead, Dai Rees, Ken Bousfield, Bernard Hunt and Bobby Cole.
Whether you are a scratch golfer or simply someone who enjoys the therapeutic effects of a few rounds of golf this course will fulfil your every need. Whilst waiting to play your shot you can watch the whales breaching in the ocean beside you, there could be no better way for a golfer to spend a day. Having earned a South African rating of 62 this parklands golf course is a favourite amongst both locals and tourists alike. The Hermanus Golf Club is private, yet highly accessible to the public. The most challenging hole on the course and quite possibly one of the toughest holes in the Cape is the sixth. With an out-of-bounds on the right and trees to the left of this narrow fairway this hole demands precision when playing into the wind. The green slopes uphill from front to back and a water hazard looms close by on the right.
Appropriate golf attire and soft spikes are required on the course. Club facilities include a Pro Shop, Graded Caddies, a halfway house, locker and shower facilities and a fantastic bar in which to toast the successes of a fantastic day on the rolling slopes of this magnificent course.
Located in Kleinmond, which is just a few minutes drive from Hermanus lies the gorgeous Arabella Golf Course and Country Estate. Designed by Peter Matkovich the courses theme is balance.
This 6381 metre course is bordered by the largest lagoon in Southern Africa and the 9th, 17th and 18th run parallel to this gorgeous body of water. Each hole on the course was designed to have a spectacular view; the mountain backdrops, lagoon frontage and forests on the Arabella Golf Course and Country Estate These provide for links, parkland and coastal aspects, while the individual fairways provide natural corridors as vantage points to savour nature’s true beauty.
The course was awarded the Golf Digest award for the best new course in South Africa in 1999. In 2002, the course was rated number 9 in South Africa by Golf Digest and number 5 in 2003. The club was also awarded the Compleat Golfer Five Star award in 2003 and currently holds the 6th position on the South African rating structure.
The Arabella is ranked amongst the ten most beautiful courses in South Africa and is a highly sought after course amongst both domestic and international tourists. While visitors are welcome the Arabella requires every player to have an official handicap and a membership card or handicap certificate must be brought to the club on the day of play. All golfers are required to dress in appropriate golf attire and soft spikes. The Arabella facilities include graded caddies, conference facilities, a gym, practice area, a pool and a fantastic bar in which to enjoy the views of this splendid course from.
What else to do whilst in Hermanus
Whilst golfers may praise this tranquil town for its beautiful golf courses Hermanus is internationally renowned for being the “heart of the whale coast” and for being recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as the best land-based whale watching area in the world. The renowned Hermanus whale festival takes place every September, coinciding with the Southern Right whale’s breeding season. Whales come here to frolic, nurse and breed and, some say, to show off to Hermanus visitors! There are also several picturesque beaches, fantastic restaurants, craft markets and pubs which can also be enjoyed whilst you are on your golfing vacation.
The Ride Of Their Life – The Grand Canyon Mule Experience - (Part 1 – The Day Ride)
As sunrise begins to unveil the magnificence of the Grand Canyon every morning, every day of the year, a group of forty to fifty Canyon visitors gathers around the mule ride check-in desk in the lobby of the historic Bright Angel Lodge. The old lobby is the picture of comfort and security with its rustic beam construction and fire roaring in the huge rock fireplace. But the smiles and cheerful banter of this group mask the anxieties which lie beneath. They are about to embark on an adventure that only a fortunate few people in the world will ever experience.
Probably never having been to the Grand Canyon, they made their reservations over a year ago and have patiently enjoyed the anticipation ever since. However, having arrived early this morning and made their way out to the patio behind the lodge which overlooks the Canyon, reality has just set in. Big time! On the other side of the short, rock retaining wall the Canyon begins – and it goes straight down. The sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon couldn’t possibly have been grasped through the pictures they admired at home. Even now, as they stand beside it, they are struggling to grasp the reality of it. Everyone is awestruck and some even suffer a degree of shock. It would be easy to conclude that only an experienced parachutist could safely make that descent.
They are checked in now, and have been issued their rain slicker (Canyon weather is fickle) and their bota bag for water (a souvenir of the trip), and have made their way a quarter mile along the Canyon rim to the round, rock corral next to the trail head. While the anticipation remains as high as ever, for most, the anxiety level drops slightly when they get their first look at Ron Clayton and his wranglers. Even though they resemble a picture out of the old wild west, they are for real. One look at Casey, Dave, Jack, Sean, or any of the seven or eight others (including several equally competent lady wranglers) will rightfully calm their nerves. These are some of the best cowboys in the world. They love what they do, they do it well, and they instill trust at first sight.
As Ron gathers the riders around for instructions, a crowd of other tourists gather also, out of curiosity. Unexpectedly, both the riders and the spectators are treated to a first class monologue with twenty minutes of instructions and education woven into a humorous presentation which further calms a few jitters. He stresses safety and reassures them that if they simply obey their wrangler, all will be well. He also assures them that if they don’t obey their wrangler, they will quickly become hikers. Every single soul standing in that crowd believes him. The riders are now ready to go.
A sharper trail boss doesn’t exist than Ron Clayton. With an eye gained only from a lifetime of experience, he looks the riders over as they walk toward him into the center of the corral, one at a time. As they approach him, he calls out the name of one of the sixty mules tied up around the corral perimeter, a mule which will inevitably turn out to be a perfect fit for that rider. Ron is that good. After each group of eight to ten riders has mounted and been given last minute reminders by their wrangler, they follow the wrangler through the corral gate. Fifteen feet farther and they are at the Bright Angel Trailhead and over the edge they go.
YeeHaw!! Hearts are pounding!
It is rumored, and it is true, that the first quarter mile of the descent is the scariest. Anxiety is at its peak now, as many of the riders have never been in a saddle in their life. The trail is narrow, and the vertical drop-off along the edge of the trail is frightening to say the least. The first turn in the trail is almost a u-turn and, forgetting that a mule’s head is some distance in front of its front legs, they may feel like their mule is going to go straight over. Never fear. In spite of their apparent nonchalance, these mules don’t miss anything, and the very last thing they want to do is go over the edge. The turn will be successful, an audible exhale can sometimes be heard, and a tiny bit more anxiety will subside.
A short fifteen minutes down the trail they will come to a wide spot which, by now, looks as safe as the plains of Kansas. The wrangler will stop and all the other mules will automatically line up beside him, facing the Canyon. He will remind everyone to put on their “parking brake” and then he will dismount and begin a rider to rider equipment check, tightening cinches, checking stirrups, etc. All the while, he will once again be stressing the most important rule of safety – keep your animal up close to the one in front of you! The mules make this trip every day and they are so comfortable on the trail that they will sometimes lose focus and lag behind. If not reminded by the rider’s use of a “motivator” to stay close, at some point the mule will realize his sin on his own, and will run to catch up. While it is somewhat humorous to watch a wide-eyed rookie rider bouncing up and down on the back of a mule cantering down the narrow and rocky trail, hanging on for dear life, this is how accidents happen. So the riders are reminded once again that repeat offenses of this nature will surely turn them into a hiker.
It is here also that any rider who has already become totally convinced that death is just around the next corner, can dismount, leave their mule where it stands, keep their bota bag, and hike the short distance back out of the Canyon to enjoy a longer life. Only pure terror can be the basis for this decision, however, and it rarely happens. The trail below looks much less ominous and most of them will already be visibly more relaxed. The adventure which they have dreamed about has just been vividly previewed and the lure to continue is almost undeniable. The wrangler mounts up and the ride of their life resumes.
It is impossible to describe the sensations which they will experience for the next two hours as the trail drops some three thousand feet in altitude, and no attempt to do so will be made by this writer. This aspect of the “once in a lifetime experience” is different for every rider. Some will later recall the breathtaking vistas as the trail winds around the Canyon walls and occasionally yields glimpses of the vast valley below. Others will recall “interesting” parts of the trail itself. Perhaps Jacob’s Ladder, the seemingly endless series of swithcbacks which scale what appears to be a thousand foot vertical rock wall. Entering the Indian Garden oasis with its hundred year old cottonwood trees shading the quaint atmospsere will also be a memorable occurance for some, not just for its serene beauty, but also because they are more than ready to get out of the saddle for a rest.
A camaraderie will develop among the riders even though they are from different parts of the world and just met one another in the mule corral. Without fail, they will be party to humorous incidents along the trail. They will all laugh more today than they ever thought possible. Some will quickly develop a bond with the animal they are riding – talking to it and calling it by name. In fact, the most lasting memory for some will be the animal they rode. They will always remember its name.
Upon arriving at Indian Garden, they will welcome the chance to dismount and stretch. Some will now be noticing the first signs of soreness in a place where they are not accustomed to feeling it. Others will just be happy for the opportunity to walk around and straighten their legs. If it is summertime, the wrangler will line all the riders up and hose them down – no exceptions – with cool water piped across the Canyon from Roaring Springs over on the Canyon’s north wall, and it turns out to be fun for everyone. Mid-day temperatures in the Canyon can be extremely high and the symptoms of overheating are sometimes difficult to recognize. The wrangler will once again check everyone’s tack, and they are off to Plateau Point. By now, a few of them will even fancy themselves real cowboys.
The trail out to Plateau Point is flat and uneventful, giving no hint of the spectactular view they are approaching. Even as they are dismounting at the pipe hitching rail they are still largely unsuspecting. Only when they clamber up on the huge flat rock and make their way out to the pipe rail at the far edge, do they get their first view of the Colorado River peacefully wandering along the Canyon floor. It is still so far below that it resembles a piece of blue string lying on the ground. A brief reverential silence usually occurs, and then the exclamations begin. This will be what some will always recall first. It is breathtaking for sure. One last look, a few thoughts and comments about the beauty and power of mother nature, and they mount up and head back to Indian Garden for lunch. Everyone is always ready for lunch.
They were all given sack lunches when they checked in at the lodge this morning. A light lunch, but tasty. There won’t be any complaints as they relax on a short rock wall, munching away, discussing the natural wonder they have become a part of for one memorable day in their life. They will all be feeling some level of physical discomfort by now, and when the wrangler says “OK riders, let’s hose off once more and mount up”, most of them will be thinking they would rather sit right where they are just a little longer.
The trip back up the Canyon wall will be quieter and probably uneventful. It has been a long day and they will be tired by now. With their backs to the valley, they will trudge up and out of this mystical world and back to the civilization to which they are accustomed. When the wrangler announces a rest stop for the animals, they will sit quietly and gaze back down into the Canyon. Their comments will be predictable – “It’s just gorgeous” or “I’m so glad we made this trip” or “We were all the way down there?!”. Whatever the comments, the appreciation in their voices is clear.
As they dismount for the final time, back on top in the corral where it all started, their mood will be somber and appreciative. They will be glad to get out of the saddle for the last time, but subdued by the realization that the adventure has ended. They will express their appreciation to their wrangler with uncommon respect and they will remember his name forever. They will return to their homes with memories which will never be dislodged, and in some cases, never even diminished. They understand full well that they were priviledged to experience the ride of their life.
As sunrise begins to unveil the magnificence of the Grand Canyon the next morning…………………..