Anyone Game? It’s my Sep 2013 Blog! I'm home; with a TR link in #1189, 10/14

[baseballmickey]

LAST!

Oh Sorry... I mean, "I'm here!!"

 

[PrincessInOz]

So what's the plan B choice?

Rather like a bad soap opera, you'll have to wait and see....

But it is, obviously, something not right at the rim.

LAST!

Oh Sorry... I mean, "I'm here!!"

Great to see you here! LAST but not least.

 

[ACDSNY]

You might want to keep checking the website for the lodges on the rim as I got lucky as they do get some cancellations. We stayed at Yavapai Lodge and took the sunset bus tour along the rim. You'll get some awesome pics on the tour.

 

[PrincessInOz]

You might want to keep checking the website for the lodges on the rim as I got lucky as they do get some cancellations. We stayed at Yavapai Lodge and took the sunset bus tour along the rim. You'll get some awesome pics on the tour.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Plans as they stand for September 22 - 23; Page



Where are we doing?

Leave the Grand Canyon and drive towards Page. To reach Page from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, I’m going to drive along Highway 64, Desert View Drive, and depending on what we’ve done the day before, we may stop at some of the lookouts for a last look at the Canyon. I had originally planned to take Highway 89 into Page. But that route is now closed because of road buckling issues. I’m not anticipating this will be fixed before September 2013.

The alternative route is along the 160 and turn off on the 98 into Page.

Why Page? Well, again, DH and I were here 13 years ago and didn't spend enough time to properly explore. Besides, we see this as a continuation of our Canyon trail....at the Grand Canyon, we'll be looking at a deep hole in the ground. At Page, we get to be down on the ground looking up.



Where are we staying?

I’ve booked 2 night’s accommodation at a B&B in Page. I considered staying at a hotel; but thought it might be nice to enjoy Page with local hospitality.




What are we doing?

I have 3 things on my hitlist:

1. Horseshoe Bend. We missed the sign on the road to Horseshoe Bend and despite doubling back, we never did see it. So, it's a MUST do on my list.

2. Colorado River Float trip. There is no whitewater involved! I wish there were; but I would need to do at least an overnight trip for this and our schedule does not cater for this time. We'll be floating down the Glen Canyon. Whilst not as deep as the Grand, at least we'll be at the bottom looking up.

3. Photographing slot canyons. We saw Antelope Canyon the last time and rushed through the area on our way round the Grand Circle. We've always wanted to come back and do a few more slot canyons.

I’ll have to sign up to tours for the second and third activities. Let's just say that this is going to be a very very expensive part of the holiday. Time will tell if it is worth it or not.




I know which tour groups I’d like to go with. I haven’t yet booked because the B&B owners said they could do it for me; and I could wait until 4 – 6 weeks prior to arrival date.


I way well ask them to book 3 months out.

 

[franandaj]

This whole part of the trip is very interesting to me (and Fran). I mentioned the Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley stuff to her and she can't wait to see your pictures and reviews. I never knew about Page, the float trips and all that stuff, it all looks really cool!!!!

I'm a little scared of white water rafting, but I think float tours would be right up my alley!

Sounds really fun!

 

[zanzibar138]

Page looks awesome You really do have a knack for finding these places!

 

[ACDSNY]

You're finding all kinds of hidden gems, I can't wait to live vicariously through your TR.

 

[baseballmickey]

I've never been to the Grand Canyon. Maybe if Disney built a theme park or a resort inside it??

 

[dgbg100106]

The white night photos were beautiful and it sounded like a really neat night, sorry you I'd not get more time there.

You plans so far sound amazing, DH has never been to the Canyon, and I hope sharing our pictures with him, will convection him to at least go for a little while.

 

[PrincessInOz]

This whole part of the trip is very interesting to me (and Fran). I mentioned the Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley stuff to her and she can't wait to see your pictures and reviews. I never knew about Page, the float trips and all that stuff, it all looks really cool!!!!

I'm a little scared of white water rafting, but I think float tours would be right up my alley!

Sounds really fun!

I'll do my best to keep an eye out for the HA options whilst there. I know that most of the hotels I looked at, did offer room options. But it really just depends on what the activities are. I think that train trip will be fun in Sedona. I've booked us the first class option; and it seems to come with nibbles included; plus the ability to buy alcoholic drinks on board.

I just hope that TR works out and it isn't too boring!

Page looks awesome You really do have a knack for finding these places!

Actually, Page found us. We were driving the Grand Circle and stumbled across it.

You're finding all kinds of hidden gems, I can't wait to live vicariously through your TR.

Thanks. But I can't take all the credit.....I think Page is a gem that loads of people find.

I've never been to the Grand Canyon. Maybe if Disney built a theme park or a resort inside it??

I'll have to see if I can spot any Hidden Mickey's at the GC. Maybe Disney might take it as a sign and build something there.

The white night photos were beautiful and it sounded like a really neat night, sorry you I'd not get more time there.

You plans so far sound amazing, DH has never been to the Canyon, and I hope sharing our pictures with him, will convection him to at least go for a little while.

Brandi - I like the Canyon; but there are so many things around the Canyon to see that it might be worth combining a trip to do additional spots.

 

[PrincessInOz]

More Fireworks - Moomba



For anyone thinking about it, March is a great time to visit Melbourne. It's autumn here and there are a bunch of festivals on this time of year:

• The Food and Wine Festival usually runs for over 20 days during the month. Lots of masterclasses, wine tasting, restuarants offering special menus...that kind of thing.
• The Australian Grand Prix; usually the 3rd weekend in March.
• The Comedy Festival kicks off in March and goes in April.
• The International Flower and Garden Show.
• And Moomba.

Moomba?? Well....its just another one of those Aboriginal words that we think mean "Lets All Get Together and Have Fun". It kicks off on a Friday night and goes through to Monday night; the Monday being a Labour Day public holiday in Melbourne.

In previous years, I've gone to the opening night concerts; seen waterskiing on the Yarra River or the intriguing people that just jump off a platform; gone to the parade on the Monday as well as just gotten out and about to enjoy the atmosphere.


Not this year. This year, we're having an incredibly hot Indian Summer. Melbourne is currently into day 11 of a hot spell where it's been high 80's/90's everyday with no relief at night. Simply....it's been too friggin' hot to do anything.


But I can never resist the opportunity for those firework gods to mess with me.


So......Saturday night. I headed out by myself to the City. Got there in plenty of time and took a stroll along the city looking for a decent spot to shoot from. When I got there, I realised that I had left my tripod in the car and had to make a hasty trip back.

Needless to say, my position for the fireworks was abysmal.

Sunday night...and my shooting was better. But I'd made the cardinal mistake of leaving one of my lenses behind and that was the lens I should have used for this night. Here's what I did get.

Yes, I know. I can't really blame the firework gods on either night. The moral to this weekend's shoot.....don't leave any equipment behind!

 

[franandaj]

I think those are some pretty FREAKIN' GOOD pictures of the fireworks and other lights!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Oooh, those pics are amazing!

 

[ACDSNY]

Awesome pics!!!

 

[zanzibar138]

I really think you sell yourself short on fireworks photos... even the ones you think are bad are so much better than anything I can ever hope to capture

I'm really enjoying this summer, apart from the bushfire risk... But it's been like a Perth summer so I feel right at home Having said that, it did take a couple of days to acclimatise after having been in snow and ice and freezing temps for a couple of weeks

 

[PrincessInOz]

I think those are some pretty FREAKIN' GOOD pictures of the fireworks and other lights!

Thanks. Yes, I was happy with the shots.

Oooh, those pics are amazing!

Thank you.

Awesome pics!!!

I really think you sell yourself short on fireworks photos... even the ones you think are bad are so much better than anything I can ever hope to capture

I'm really enjoying this summer, apart from the bushfire risk... But it's been like a Perth summer so I feel right at home Having said that, it did take a couple of days to acclimatise after having been in snow and ice and freezing temps for a couple of weeks

OOPS!

I went back and re-read what I wrote.


I didn't mean to leave you with the wrong impression and I should have been a lot clearer in my words. I love the pictures I got; even if I did self-sabotage the shoots a little. If I had remembered my tripod the first trip, there would have only needed to be one outing; rather than two.



Those firework gods were definitely kind to me this weekend.

 

[zanzibar138]

OOPS!

I went back and re-read what I wrote.


I didn't mean to leave you with the wrong impression and I should have been a lot clearer in my words. I love the pictures I got; even if I did self-sabotage the shoots a little. If I had remembered my tripod the first trip, there would have only needed to be one outing; rather than two.



Those firework gods were definitely kind to me this weekend.

Well I'm glad to hear that

 

[dgbg100106]

I think those are some pretty FREAKIN' GOOD pictures of the fireworks and other lights!

I second this!!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I second this!!!!

Thank you.