The end of the road with Pipes & Sticks on Route 66

As we drove up to the area, it became clear that this was going to be the most spectacular of visits. With Mike there, we were treated to the historical and geographical and geological aspects of Grand Canyon. First port of call was the desert view tower area where we got a proper first glimpse of this breathtaking natural wonder, not just out of the window.

Having seen film and photograph was no substitute for seeing this in the flesh. The Grand Canyon was amazing and worth the trip even if we had gone away after that. We explored different viewpoints along the rim, stopping for lunch at El Tovar Hotel. El Tovar was built in 1905 as one of a chain of hotels and restaurants owned and operated by the Fred Harvey Company in conjunction with the Santa Fe Railroad. There is still a steam train service that comes up from Williams, Arizona. That’s for a future trip . . .

After lunch it was on to other points on the Canyon and it was amazing to see how the colours changed and the shadows with the sun moving created a more 3D effect. We were all very pleased that the decision was made to do this detour from Route 66.

We decide to have a tune at the Abyss. Stuart and Angus did most of it, finishing up with “The Mason’s Apron,” with chanters only. I decide to do drones only for this one . . .