Day 9 - it just keeps getting better

A slower start to the day with a 9am departure for the last look at the Canyon.

We drove along the Canyon rim stopping at various view points and 'sights of interest' which provided good photo opportunities and a chance to stretch the legs that were still a little tired from the hikes of the previous two days.

Our destination today was Lake Powell and once we left the Grand Canyon National Park there was little between us and the destination.

We were in Indian territory but unlike the old wagon trains we did not fear being attacked - however there were plenty of opportunities to spend money - with every few miles there was another series of 'stalls' selling genuine Indian artifacts, rugs, jewellery and such like. Olivia spent her pocket money at the first stop on a necklace.

We drove on through an amazing landscape. What really has surprised us is (A) the height - we are still well over 5,000 feet and (B) the colour of the rocks - the 'Painted desert' that we drove through really does look like a painting. Lots of reds, pinks, blues, greens - all mashed up together on the side of a mountain. Quite bizzare.

Lunch in Page and then our afternoon activities.

First - Horse Shoe Point - a short walk to an area where the Colarado river bends round and forms a horse shoe shape. I did not enjoy this. A 1,000 foot drop into the river....no barriers. I stayed well back and regularly shouted "James come back"; "Olivia, stop skipping over the rocks".

Next - Antelope Canyon. Now we are only on Day 9 of 45, but I think we experienced what will be the highlight of this trip. The Lower Antelope Canyon is the most amazing place I have ever been in my life.

You start walking over the flat desert, across a river bed. You see a small crack in the ground - no way can we go in there. I have Jack on my front in a carrier but somehow squeeze in and head into the Canyon. Antelope Canyon is cut into the ground. It is narrow - 2 feet to 6 feet maximum. We got about 140 feet deep and walked through it for about 500 yards.

The rocks are shaped by water that flows through when it rains. The sun sneaks into the canyon and the colours and shadows are simply amazing.

My photos will not do it justice. Do a google search to see what I really mean.

We are now at Lake Powell Resort - about to have dinner and plan tomorrow which I think will involve us hiring a speed boat for the day and zooming around the HUGE Lake Powell.

Ken