h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I said to a friend just yesterday evening you've just got to do things, not leave them to get around to sometime. We'd just come back from a really good day out seeing the tall ships, something that I've been meaning to do since 1984.

Walking along the rim can be a real thrill if you avoid the crowds by taking the shuttle to the end (Hermit's Point) and walking back as far as you can.

It's a lot different from the places that the tourist busses unload and everyone spends 15 minutes snapping pictures and then leaves the park....There are no guardrails and no paved paths...

You may find yourself walking a ledge three feet wide with a rock wall at your back and a 5,000 foot drop ahead....it's most amazing that the park authorities could create such different experiences...

Every two or three miles you hit another shuttle bus stop...so if you get tired you can pack it in and hop back on.

Enjoy...

Phred, I'm thinking of maybe driving to Williams and taking the train into the park. Haven't decided for sure yet. There is still time to decide. We won't have our accomodations with us the way you and Mrs. P have. Since it's hard to get rooms inside th epark uynless you reserve way in advance, I was thinking of Williams or Flagstaff.

Taking the train from Williams looked like a fun ride. How long does that leave you to explore the park?

If you go to where the mules and hikers start down toward Bright Angel, then walk west, in less than a mile stroll along the rim you can take in some spectacular and varied views without all the cars, buses, asphalt, and with far fewer 15-minute tourists....

After checking into this further, I'm not sure it is a good idea. The round trip takes 8 hours, giving you only 3.5 hours at the park. That isn't nearly long enough to stay there. It's back to the drawing board. I'll see if we can at least get put on a waiting list for one of the lodges inside the park. In case there is a cancellation.