Well - it had snowed overnight in Flagstaff. When we looked out of our bedroom window onto the old Route 66 we were not looking forward to this day at all. However, our dismay would later be offset by the awesome Grand Canyon.

The view from our bedroom window. Although it had snowed overnight the snow had melted by mid-morning due to the powerful sunlight - but it remained chilly all day.

After breakfast we set off for the Grand Canyon. We decided that we weren't going to get the steam train from Williams, but instead we would go in the warmth of our own car! This was an opportunity to plan another road route - which we did - and we decided to take the US-180 from Flagstaff through the beautiful Coconino National Forest - which under a carpet of snow was even more beautiful than we imagined it to be.

Anyway, we got to the Grand Canyon around mid-morning. There was a stiff cold breeze in the air. I have been to the Canyon before - but Jaz hadn't. We immediately parked our car at the first observation point - Mather Point - and got out to have a look. Like many visitors - whether this is a first time or not - the Canyon never ceases to amaze. You have just got to think: "what on earth happened here?"

Our first look at the Canyon - from Mather Point. Amazing.

Another shot from Mather Point.

And another.

And another.

A picture taken from the Yavapai Point - which doesn't have any railings!

Another pic from Yavapai Point.

Jaspal feeling happy that he conquered the Grand Canyon!

We spent the best part of the morning and early afternoon at the Canyon. Having two young children with us meant that it wasn't going to be possible for us to hike down into the Canyon itself. I, myself, had done this 14 years ago - it took me 6 hours to get down and 12 hours to get back up!

Once again - the great Colorado river was able to prove what it could do. This wasn't the last time we were going to encounter this river on our adventure ...

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