{"id":2898,"date":"2016-07-29T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2016-07-29T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=2898"},"modified":"2016-07-25T11:19:57","modified_gmt":"2016-07-25T15:19:57","slug":"grand-canyon-by-air","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=2898","title":{"rendered":"Grand Canyon By Air"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sometimes we have\u00a0to see things in a different way.<\/p>\n

Years ago, we made the cross country trek to visit the Grand Canyon with our children. \u00a0Driving from Phoenix to the southern rim, we joined the hoards of spring breakers entering the park to get a glimpse of the mammoth gorge. \u00a0Although we did not enter the canyon, we did see it from the many overlooks, peering down into its depths. \u00a0Watching the countless hikers\u00a0begin their slow descent\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0paths leading to the bottom and the many planes flying overhead, I promised myself that one day I would return and see it again from both its lowest point\u00a0as well as\u00a0from the air.<\/p>\n

Learning from a co-worker that we are able to make a stand-by reservation with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines\u00a0for a flight over the Grand Canyon, I quickly reserved a spot for the next morning, although it meant a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call.<\/p>\n

Picked up promptly, at 5:00 a.m., I was shuttled over to Boulder City for my check-in. \u00a0Keeping my fingers crossed that there would be at least one seat for me, I gave my information to the agent and was instructed to make myself comfortable\u00a0and wait for my name to be called. \u00a0Thankfully, about 20 minutes later, I heard my name over the loudspeaker and quickly walked over to the desk. \u00a0YES! \u00a0One seat remaining and it was all mine!<\/p>\n

\"image\"<\/a>Shortly after, our young pilot gathered our group together and ushered us out to our waiting airplane. \u00a0Since someone was needed to sit up front next to the pilot, I volunteered as the rest of the group were traveling in pairs or groups. Being a flight attendant,\u00a0I felt so right at home, sitting up front with the pilot, that\u00a0almost felt like I should be making coffee and passing out nuts!<\/p>\n

We made the quick taxi and soon were speeding up the runway for our takeoff.<\/p>\n

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Up we went, soaring over the barren landscape, until finally, our pilot informed us, over our headsets, that Hoover Dam was up ahead. \u00a0After a couple of turns so that everyone could have a decent view, we sped forward,\u00a0over Lake Mead and the mountainous landscape. \u00a0Before long, our destination was in view.<\/p>\n

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It was an extremely soothing ride as we admired the sweeping scenes\u00a0of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. \u00a0With the early morning sun, there were many shadows and I could only imagine that the multitude of colors of the canyon, as well as the view, would vastly change as the day went on. \u00a0The vista, however, was spectacular as we flew just above the highest points of the canyon, including Imperial Point, the canyon’s highest spire. \u00a0The Colorado river was visible flowing throughout the canyon with its hairpin turns and rapids visible. \u00a0We even spotted river rafters beginning their day’s journey.<\/p>\n

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Before long, however, our\u00a0Vistaliner\u00a0aircraft was making the journey\u00a0back to Boulder City and setting down at the terminal’s runway. \u00a0A quick forty minute ride back to my hotel and I was walking back into my room, ready for the what the rest of the day would bring.<\/p>\n

Although, I was able to receive an extremely steep discount for this tour, this company does list this tour as one of their affordable options. \u00a0With transportation to and from Las Vegas hotels, I do think that this tour is perfect for those wanting to see the Grand Canyon, yet not wanting to spend a lot of time doing so.\u00a0\u00a0There are many other options available, as add-ons and as tour packages, including deplaning at the Grand Canyon and taking a bus into the park, visiting an Indian reservation and white water rafting.<\/p>\n

When I returned, one of my husband’s co-workers inquired as to whether I would I do this tour again. \u00a0Four hours with transportation included, a smooth\u00a045 minute air tour with God’s beauty beneath you and wonderful people running the show…I would say it is well worth the price!<\/p>\n

Now, if I can only get a discount on a pack mule to take me to the bottom…<\/p>\n

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

Grand Canyon Scenic Tours<\/strong><\/p>\n