Mad Props to Mike & Korey, our ABD guides

[dizneyfan23]

They made our Southwest Splendors trip an absolute blast. I didn't think that it would be possible to have as good a time on this trip as we did on our Ireland ABD, however, I have to say that it was as good, if not better and Mike & Korey had ALOT to do with it. You guys rock!!!!!

 

[TDC Nala]

I bet that is the same Mike that guided my Australia ABD. But then it might not be, as I understand they have more than one Mike.

 

[nordkin]

Couldn't agree more. We had them as guides on our Southwest Splendors trip last September and we were all astonished to find out the last night that it was the first trip they had led together. Ours was an adults only trip and they made it fantastic.

 

[sayhello]

SO glad you loved Southwest Splendors! It's a fabulous itinerary, but you're right, it's the guides that really make it. Was it tall, skinny Mike, or burlier Mike?

How was the Thunderbird Hotel? I'm dying to know how it was, and how they changed the itinerary for that day because you were staying at the Rim rather than outside the Park. We had an initial "viewing" of the Canyon when we first arrived, then went to the Hotel in Tusayan. Next morning we got up & drove to the Canyon, had time with the naturalist in the morning, running around to the Watchtower & some great lookouts. Then folks could go back to the hotel (They set up 3 times for shuttling back & forth) or have lunch at the Rim, and hike or whatever. They also made arrangements for some folks (me included) to take a helicopter ride over the canyon, then returned us to the canyon afterwards. We all met up at the El Tovar for sunset, then bussed back to the hotel, where many of us had pizza at the pizza place just up the road from the hotel.

How did your day differ? Did you have time in the early morning to appreciate waking up to the Grand Canyon? How were the rooms?

Tell all!

Sayhello

 

[dizneyfan23]

SO glad you loved Southwest Splendors! It's a fabulous itinerary, but you're right, it's the guides that really make it. Was it tall, skinny Mike, or burlier Mike?

We had burlier, bald Mike.

How was the Thunderbird Hotel? I'm dying to know how it was, and how they changed the itinerary for that day because you were staying at the Rim rather than outside the Park. We had an initial "viewing" of the Canyon when we first arrived, then went to the Hotel in Tusayan. Next morning we got up & drove to the Canyon, had time with the naturalist in the morning, running around to the Watchtower & some great lookouts. Then folks could go back to the hotel (They set up 3 times for shuttling back & forth) or have lunch at the Rim, and hike or whatever. They also made arrangements for some folks (me included) to take a helicopter ride over the canyon, then returned us to the canyon afterwards. We all met up at the El Tovar for sunset, then bussed back to the hotel, where many of us had pizza at the pizza place just up the road from the hotel.

How did your day differ? Did you have time in the early morning to appreciate waking up to the Grand Canyon? How were the rooms?

Tell all!

Sayhello

To quote a certain person whom I won't name, he said while we were driving to it that the Thunderbird Lodge was "A 2-star resort with a 5-star view."

I loved being able to stay right on the canyon. The hotel, to be fair, wasn't up to par with the Amara and Red Cliffs, however, being able to open your curtains and see the canyon or waking up in the morning and walking out to see the sunrise in the canyon (not to mention each morning there were Elk grazing mere yards from our rooms) more than makes up for the Thunderbird's shortcomings.

I'm still getting my pictures together, because we just got home yesterday even though our trip was a week ago. We rented a car in Grnad Junction and drove back across country. Stopping at Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, Gateway Arch and stayed in DC for two days. So I'll get some up here soon.

 

[sayhello]

We had burlier, bald Mike.

Ah, OK. Tall, skinny Mike trained on my tour. I haven't talked to anyone who has had him as a guide yet. I've heard nothing but praise for burlier Mike. I think he's been doing these tours for quite a while.

To quote a certain person whom I won't name, he said while we were driving to it that the Thunderbird Lodge was "A 2-star resort with a 5-star view."

I loved being able to stay right on the canyon. The hotel, to be fair, wasn't up to par with the Amara and Red Cliffs, however, being able to open your curtains and see the canyon or waking up in the morning and walking out to see the sunrise in the canyon (not to mention each morning there were Elk grazing mere yards from our rooms) more than makes up for the Thunderbird's shortcomings.

I'm still getting my pictures together, because we just got home yesterday even though our trip was a week ago. We rented a car in Grnad Junction and drove back across country. Stopping at Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, Gateway Arch and stayed in DC for two days. So I'll get some up here soon.

I had a feeling that's what people would say about the Thunderbird. The location just can't be beat! Glad to hear it wasn't *too* bad, and was worth it due to the location.

Looking forward to your pics and a report! Sounds like you had *quite* the adventure *after* your adventure!

Sayhello

 

[dizneyfan23]

Ah, OK. Tall, skinny Mike trained on my tour. I haven't talked to anyone who has had him as a guide yet. I've heard nothing but praise for burlier Mike. I think he's been doing these tours for quite a while.

I had a feeling that's what people would say about the Thunderbird. The location just can't be beat! Glad to hear it wasn't *too* bad, and was worth it due to the location.

Looking forward to your pics and a report! Sounds like you had *quite* the adventure *after* your adventure!

Sayhello

Yeah, I need another vacation just to recover from this trip.

 

[dizneyfan23]

here's a pic from the first night.

 

[travelingirlie]

Mike is incredible huh!?

We LOVED him!! he made our trip awesome!! we felt so blessed to have him as our guide!

 

[TDC Nala]

yep - the burly Mike - that is the same one - he does an awesome job.

I have had dealings with a number of awesome people from ABD.

 

[TheEvilQueen]

I love hearing stories of guides who go out of their way to make the tours extra special! That's so awesome!

 

[billb]

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