Desert trip destination 8 - Grand Canyon

4 June 09
Missing the sunset in Grand Canyon didn't turn us off, but give us more spirit to depart early to visit this great wonder of the world. Unfortunately, we still lost to laziness - we left our hostel around 10am. Which is kinda..late. (sunset was around 5.30am that time)

These are some of the points we visited in the Grand Canyon. Each point has its own characteristics which enables us to see a special feature of the Grand Canyon. Thanks to my short term memory, I realize that I'm now unable to match the points and the photos. Do forgive me for junking all the photos unorderly.

Road leading to the Grand Canyon. Unlike Bryce and Zion, you see nothing but bushes along the road.

Because the Grand Canyon is a big 'hole' instead of mountains or peaks.

The grandeur of the Grand Canyon makes you feel small no matter where you stand.

We visited the south rim of the Grand Canyon, where more visitors choose to go. The north rim can be seen from where we stood - it is just 10 miles away for a bird to fly across. But if you are to travel on a car, 100 miles is what you should expect.

Bb

Me

Pima Point - offers the best view of Colorado River that carved the Grand Canyon.

The Colorado River seen from another angle.

Have a closer look..

The Colorado River again - very easily detected.

Yavapai Observational Station - offers perfect view of the Grand Canyon besides this model.

Hopi Point - one of the best point to catch a great glimpse of sunset.

The fact that we missed the sunset the day before didn't keep us any longer in the Grand Canyon for another sunset, though the weather seems promising to catch a good sunset. I guess we were too tired after a few days of hiking in Bryce and Zion.

Grandview Point - visited by the first tourist of the Grand Canyon.

Tusayan ruin and museum - provides a look into the lives of a thriving community.

The Grand Canyon is not only colonized by human, but also elks..(We were luncky enough to see 2 elks - 1 by the roadside and 1 appeared in front of us. They were MASSIVE!! :D)

..deer..

..and mountain lions!

Desert view - where the watchtower of Grand Canyon is located.

Inside the watchtower.

Spiral leading to the peak of the watchtower.

We didn't hike at the Grand Canyon. Not because of its extreme difficulties, but due to our tiredness after a few hikes in Bryce and Zion.

Can you notice the trail on the big plateau?

Here's the magnification. Each small dot is a plant (I guess..), which allows you to imagine the size of the plateau, which seems small to our naked eyes.

We said bye bye to the Grand Canyon around 5pm. No regret. I have seen enough of the Grand Canyon. Will not come back to this place again, unless I'm to bring my family with me. Lots more places in the world awaiting me, am I right? ;)

Update: Have one of my premolar filled today, cost me RM65..Much more earnings for the dentist but do I have other choice?
To those having holiday, happy holiday! And to those seeing his/her 'somebody', best wishes for you!
Special thanks to KY for part of the photos!

Desert trip destination 7 - Williams

3 June 09
After we sent off KL, KH and JE in Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, we overnight in Las Vegas city itself before heading to the famous Grand Canyon.

Here we were, at our destination!

Staying near a tourist attraction is expensive, as we all know, hence we chose to stay in a city 1-hr-drive away from the Grand Canyon, called Williams. It is a historic city in Arizona state strategically located along Route 66.

A mural at a carpark welcoming visitors to Wiliams.

The main street in Williams, very peaceful, very tranquil.

The historic Route 66 is a famous highway in the US which extends from Los Angeles to Chicago, Illinois, encompassing a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). This route was heavily used by Americans to travel across states decades ago before other highways are built.

Bb insisted to take a picture with this road sign - to prove that he drove on this route.

Williams, to me was just a small town to overnight during our visit in the Grand Canyon. I didnt have any expectation at all, but I was amazed by its special features. It was just a small town with many accomodation lots and souvenir shops along the main street. But as you stepped into one of the many souvenir shops, you will be amazed by how this town maintain the historic sense of the USA.

Horseback/wagon ride for visitors who intend to further explore the history of the States.

Visitors of this town are flooded with souvenirs of Red Indians, John Deere, Coca-cola, Harley Davidson and most importantly, Route 66. Thanks to this town, that I learnt about things that I even have not heard before, and I realized how big this world is, and how small I am.

An adorable little truck exhibited (I think..) along the road.

During the summer, visitors to Williams are friendly-ly welcomed by cowboy shows that are performed daily at 7pm. To the future visitors of Williams, you shall not miss this. ;) It involves jokes and gun shots by the fully cowboy dressed actors and actresses. One thing that I regretted - I didn't get their jokes.

The emcee of the show. Funny guy.

The 'bad guys'.
The 'good guy' and his woman.

This is a very special town that I would recommend future Grand Canyon visitors to overnight. However the Grand Canyon still worth more visiting time, I think.

Update: 1 week back at home, I finally went out for breakfast, and finally, I finished 'The Little Nyonya'! At the mean time, my external hard disk is detected as 'USB device not recognized' after I replaced the malfunctioned cable. Advices very much needed.. HELP!!! :'(

Desert trip destination 6 - Zion Canyon (The Narrows)

2 June 09
Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon attracts me more than the huge rocks in Zion Canyon do. But the hiking activities in Zion Canyon are much more memorable to me.

After a few posts, here comes one about my favourite hike of all - the Narrows. What's so special about this trail?

It involves water!! :D
We have to hike through the Virgin River that flows and shapes Zion Canyon.

This trail is called 'the Narrows' because the trail went through the narrowest section of canyon of of the North Fork of the Virgin River.

Some descriptions about this trail: "the narrows...the most wonderful defile [gorge] it has been my fortune to behold."

Let the photos explain.

We were all equipped with rented suits to protect ourselves from the chilling water. Seems pro huh? Nope. The real pro's hiked with huge hiking backpacks and without much gears.

The gears that we rented include the whole water suit, a walking stick, a pair of water socks and a pair of special shoes.
The water suit was supposed to keep us warm. It did its job too well - we were too warmed up that we sweated inside. So we either soaked ourselves in the water..
Or just took off part of the suit - the jacket.

And when we were hungry, we had bak zhang by the riverside. It was such a luxury to picnic at such spot.
This trail might seem easy from the photos, but it is actually not.
At some spot, the water level could be really high (shoulder level), especially if we followed a wrong way. The walking stick was really useful, not only for us to estimate the water level, but also to help us wading through the swift water.

Due to the uneven surface of the riverbed as well as the swift flowing water, I paid most of my attention to my feet - that I didn't get to enjoy the scenery to the fullest. Not many photos were taken during this trail due to inconvenience. It was such a waste..But the hiking memory will never be forgotten! =)
Thanks pals! =) For being there with me those few days.

The same day after this hike, KH, KL and JE departed back. Bb and I were left to continue our journey!

p/s: Special thanks to KH and KY who risked their cameras to take these photos!
Meanwhile, a trapped mouse behind my mouse gave birth to 4 baby mice inside the trap! But sadly, they were all already eaten by cats.

Desert trip destination 6 - Zion Canyon (Angels landing)

1 June 09
Note: This is the most difficult trail I have ever tried, I hated it when I hiked it, but now thinking back, it was very fun! :D

Here I was - in Zion National Park!

Immediately after the canyon overlook trail, we came to this popular trail in Zion Canyon- Angels Landing.

One of the many warning signs along the trail.

"Round trip 5 miles, average time taken 4 hours. Strenuous. Long drop-offs and narrow trail. Not for anyone fearful of heights. Ends at summit high above Zion Canyon. Last 0.5 mile follows steep, narrow ridge; chains have been added."

The first warning sign that greeted us, before we started our hike.

As you can see - dangerous cliffs and edges; chains needed at some part.

It started with a riverside trail along Virgin River which is easy.

The riverside trail and part of the Walters Wiggles (description below).

Proof of Virgin River being polluted.

It was then followed by a steep uphill zigzag trail called Walters Wiggles.

We may looked relaxed - because this was snapped when we were going down.

Kaili was the fastest among us during the zigzag hike. Amazing stamina!

A little description of the 'zigzags':
Walters Wiggles, an amazing series of 21 steep, stone-walled switchbacks, was carved into the cliff in the 1920s during the tenure of Superintendent Walter Ruesch.

We kept taking photos during our hike..
Not only because the scenery was breathtaking..
But also because - we needed some rest.

We arrived at the Scout Lookout after very much effort climbing up the Walters Wiggles.

Tired hikers resting under a tree at Scout Lookout.

Some descriptions about it on the board:
Scout Lookout, just above Walters Wiggles, offers a resting place, breathtaking views, and a preview of the very steep hike on up to Angels Landing and the canyon's West Rim. Many people make the Lookout their destination.

Amazing toilet. But when your bladder was really full, you wont care much.

And finally, we made it to the end of the trail, the Angels Landing, after much effort.

The last 0.5 mile of the trail - my favourite part!

We need to climb up at some part..

Or crawl down.
Some part are equipped with chains..

But some are not.

Angels Landing is said to provide one fo the most dramatic vistas in Zion, across the canyon to Observation Point, Cable Mountain, and other East Rom features.

Unbelievable..we have just hiked on such dangerous cliffs!

The fantastic view offered at the end of the trail - a perfect view of the Virgin River, that flows and shapes Zion Canyon!

p/s: I ended my self-quarantine today! XD Muahahaha..

Desert trip destination 6 - Zion Canyon (Canyon Overlook Trail)

1 June 09
Zion National Park, our next destination after Bryce Canyon!

Same as Bryce, this National Park applies some charges to its visitors too.
Before entering the National Park, we were welcomed by these nicely layered peaks.
Driving up a hillside road in Zion Canyon.

A little introduction about Zion Canyon:
Zion was originally called Mukuntuweep. The name 'Zion' is a Hebrew word for refuge.

Everything in Zion takes life from the Virgin River's scarce desert waters. Water flows, and solid rock melts into cliffs and towers. Green canyons, red cliffs and blue skies can be found in Zion National Park.

Injuries and deaths do occur in Zion National Park, in which falls cause most of them.

This Canyon Overlook Trail was an easy one for us. We only took about 1hr to complete the whole trail.

We walked pass a 'hole'.
Some part of the trail could be easy..
Some could be hard.

It allows us to have a great view of Zion Canyon - as what the name of this trail suggests!

Gorgeous view offered at the end of the trail.
After this trail, we went for a strenuous one - Angel's Landing. It was hard for me, but I gained precious experiences and sweet memories from the hike. Will be telling the story in my next post. ;)

p/s: 3rd day at home. Still self-quarantining. No sign of flu at all, guess I will end my quarantine earlier!
Currently watching a Singaporean series 'The Little Nyonya'. Addicted to it!

Desert trip destination 5 - Bryce Canyon (Fairyland loop)

Self quarantining is NOT FUN at all! Well it's not a must for me to self torture but who knows if I carry any virus? So here I am in front of my laptop, updating my blog with outdated entries.

Bryce Canyon was still our destination on the 2nd day of our trip.
This time, we took one of the strenuous hikes - the Fairyland Loop.

It is 8 miles in length and allows hikers to see the China Wall, Tower Bridge and tall hoodoos.

We spent approximately 5 hours on that tiring trail with steep grades and multiple elevation changes.

Iron and manganese have stained the rocks in a splashy array of red, orange, purple, pink, yellow, and white.

See if you can detect the colours.

Bryce Canyon's high elevation, clean dry air, and distance from large cities, makes it one of the best places on earth to stargaze.

We didnt stargaze but took lots of daytime photos instead.

Thirsty hikers detected a water source.

When we were complaining about the hot weather, our voices were heard and here came our 'rescue'.

Luckily it didn't rain, thank God!

Not forgetting to spare some time for camwhoring!

Lonely hiker..
..who suddenly became crazy!

We were all quite badly sunburnt after the hike. We only remembered about sunscreen after our hike. =.=

The scotching sun turned Jiun Ee into ninja!

5 tired and sun-burnt faces after the hike.

Never underestimate the power of the sun.

p/s: It was not easy for me as a beginner in the hiking world, but as I browsed through the photos, only sweet memories rushed into my mind! I miss those sunburnt moments!
Most photos here were snapped by pro photographer Mr KY! =) Thx to him! XD

Back home

After a good 36 hours of journey, finally, I'm back home. I always thought I enjoy taking flight, regardless of the place of departure, the destination, nor the time of flight; but certainly, not this journey. Not that I'm unwilling to go home. It was all about the distressing delay that totally spoilt my mood.

The beginning of my entire journey.

On 25th night, I received a notice from MAS while checking in - that my flight will have a 3hr 40min delay to reach KL from Newark, due to the fact that we have to pit-stop in Amsterdam before heading back KL from Sweden.

Arriving at Scandinavian land - Sweden.

In the waiting lobby of Arlanda airport, Stockholm, Sweden.

Departing from Arlanda airport of Stockholm, Sweden.

If I confused you, this was how my journey should be:
Newark-Sweden-KL (arrive 0655 on 27th)-Alor Setar
But now, it became:
Newark-Sweden-Amsterdam-KL (arrive 1035 on 27th)-Alor Setar

This is probably Denmark - b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.

Well, initially I didn't mind at all, because it wouldn't affect my next flight to Alor Setar which would depart at 1355 on the same day. But things just didn't go as I wish.
There was an 1hr delay from Newark. (I don't know why)
Another 1hr 30min delay from Sweden. (due to additional security checks)
3hr 40min further delay in Amsterdam. (due to 'difficulties refueling')

Amsterdam..so near yet so far.

The delay in Amsterdam was especially depressing. The refueling process was supposed to take 1hr 15min, but due to some difficulties, we were trapped on the plane for nearly 4 hours.

Refueling in progress, in Amsterdam.

The on-flight entertainment was shut off, the air-cond was temporarily turned off and the flushing system of toilets was not working during that period. Passengers were complaining, cabin crew were busy serving drinks, and the plane captain were busy making announcements to console the passengers. Everything was a mess. My stomachache further deteriorated my feelings.

Amsterdam airport, where all passengers were trapped in the plane for nearly 4 hours.

When I reached KLIA at 1400, I have already missed my next flight to Alor Setar which was scheduled at 1355. And as expected, we were greeted by a group of masked and coated paramedics, as if we were a group of virus.

The clouds above my hometown land are just fascinating.

I was forced to stay at the airport till 1755 to catch the next flight, when I was already tired and sleepy after more than 12 hours being in the same plane. I was offered 2 meal vouchers by MAS during my waiting period. Any other compensation that I could get?

Experienced 2 sunrises and 2 sunsets on the planes during my entire journey.

I was just unhappy about my journey, that I wanted to spit it out here. Thanks for your patience.

p/s: Currently self-quarantining myself at home. 6 more days to go.. :( A very good time to rest, as well as to organize my photos and update my blog!