Phoenix (Grand Canyon)

~ in Arizona, United States (14-16 Nov, 2003)

It's a short trip, but the gorgeous scenery in Grand Canyon definitely pays off the flight ticket... I was speechless when the image of this natural wonder hit my retina. Due to limited time we only went to the South rim of the Canyon and not even finishing 20% of it - But it's enough to make me fall in love with the Grand Can. If I have the chance to go again, I would stay at least 3 days to explore more of this craftwork by the nature.

-- Hot pot at our host Calvin's place.

A very warm welcome for Joe and me right after we get to Phoenix. From left to right: Calvin, Beverly, Joe, Paul, Yae, Kent, Amelia and Jason. All except Joe and me are Calvin's friends in ASU, while we met Calvin during his internship in Austin.

-- @ Mather Point, the first viewing point we reached.

I was standing at 8000+ feet above sea level.

-- Pic 2 @ Mather Point

-- Joe and Paul @ Mather Pt

We actually ran into a few young people speaking Cantonese...and one of them took this picture for us.

-- How the Grand Canyon is formed.

-- Pic 1 @ Bright Angel Trailhead

Bright Angel Trailhead is the starting point of the trail on South Rim - but we didn't have enough time to go down.

-- Bigger picture @ Bright Angel Trailhead

Click to see a larger picture...it's 1024 x 768.

-- Paul, Joe, Beverly and Calvin @ Bright Angel Trailhead

-- Pic 1 @ Hopi Point

There are many different viewing points along both sides of the Canyon. We've been to Mather pt, Hopi pt and Powell pt.

-- Pic 2 @ Hopi Point

Another 1024 x 768 picture. In the middle is Colorado river.

-- Pic 3 @ Hopi Point

In this picture you can see the different layers forming the wall of the cliff...there could be more than 20 layers of different kind of rocks.

-- Pic 4 @ Hopi Point

Another angle of the Colorado river.

-- Paul @ Hopi Point

-- Hopi guys

-- Gang @ Hopi Point

-- Pic 1 in between Hopi & Powell Point

Powell Point is the final viewing point we went - great as the others do.

-- Pic 2 in between Hopi & Powell Point

In fact, Hopi point and Powell point are very close to each other...10 minutes' walk.

-- Skyline of the North Rim

Fantastic scene at 8000+ feet above sea level.

-- Pic 3 in between Hopi & Powell Point

We start saying "Powerpoint" instead of "Powell Point"...

-- I climbed down to a platform...

Another perspective to look at the valley. ^_^

-- View from the platform

-- Path to Powell Point

-- Stark for Orphan Mine

Orphan mine started of as a source for copper back in late 19 century, but soon the cooper ore ran out and operation ceased for some ten years. In 1951 geologist found rich uranium content in the mine and this national park became one of the most important source of uranium of America. In 1969 the high grade ore were mined and operation ceased again. In 1988, the National Park Service gained ownership of the mine and the mining activities ceased forever.

-- @ Powell Point

We headed back to Phoenix after Powell Pt...I wish we could have stayed until sunset but everyone's too tired. Sunset at Grand Canyon...I am missing it.

PaulCheung.com > Underneath > Photo Album > Paul, on the road... > Phoenix, Nov 03