Two asses didn't get to sit on two asses

All our good plans were foiled when an unexpected electical storm wrecked the trail to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. We were booked to ride a couple of mules into the heart of the canyon and stay overnight at Phantom Ranch. We arrived bright and early eager to take the trek when the sun broke yesterday morning, but the damage was already done and this lot had the day off!

Disappointing! As a result this forced us to view the mighty Grand Canyon from the South Rim.

In contrast our time in Zion National Park was perfect. Apart from the dramatic scenery, Zion is a hiker's paradise. We spent two days exploring and could have easily stayed longer. The first day we took in the low level highlights looking up at the soaring red and white cliffs rising over the Virgin River.

The next day we defied gravity by going to greater heights. We were hoping to take the Angel's Landing Trail an intimidating path that runs along a narrow rock fin with death-defying drop-offs on both sides. Unfortunately this track was closed for most of the day so helicopters could maintain the toilets by lifting out all the human waste. No kidding!! So we chose to climb to the Hidden Canyon. This had a fear factor all of its own as in parts we had to hang on to a chain while scaling the cliff face.

Part way up on this trail, the track split and took us on an unrelenting uphill slog via several steep switchbacks, a more strenuous workout than Angels Landing. The view from the top made it all worthwhile and a distant thunderstorm added an eerie touch as thunder echoed around the canyon walls.

Needless to say a hot bath and a cold beer back at the hotel room afterwards was top priority.

Regretfully we had to leave Zion and sadly we are about to leave the redness of Arizona we have seen become vermillion, purple and gold in changing moods.

We are now back at our home base in Prescott repacking and getting organised to fly out from Phoenix to New Orleans. Not sure we are ready for the hectic city life yet!