The Grand Canyon-Thrilling Tour by Helicopter

Helicopter At The Ranch, Grand Canyon,USA

The tour of the Grand Canyon-flight to Grand Canyon, Skywalk, Helicopter Flight over ,around and to the bottom of the Canyon, barbecue lunch ,pontoon jet boat ride on the Colorado-is one of  the most thrilling experiences and a top tourist attraction. It has made The Grand Canyon a top destination in the US. The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon passes by the  Hoover Dam which is also on the way. 

Hoover Dam, USA

Enroute to the Ranch there is a stop at an airport where each one of  passengers are weighed and handed a boarding pass with strict instructions not to change the seats as that would affect the balance of the helicopter. Also if passenger weighs more than 128Kg then  2 tickets have to be purchased. The Hoover Dam is about an hour's drive on US93 from Las Vegas. The tour guides cum driver are very well informed -mostly ex army with tour guide training-and keep up an interesting and humorous commentary  about everything that  can be seen on the road -cars,roads,road signs, weather, tress I think nothing is spared and it is all extremely interesting.

Hoover Dam,USA

Built across the Colorado at Black Canyon, the Hoover Dam is located at the boundary between Arizona and Nevada states. It was built between 1931-35 to basically control floods, provide irrigation and generate hydroelectric power. I suppose it served its purpose although some ecological issues arose for about 4 to 5 years ,the time it took Lake Mead to get full and stabilize .Lake Mead was the lake formed by constructing the Dam. 

Ranch At Grand Canyon, USA

After Hoover Dam we were back on the road and after about 3 hours reached a Western Ranch set in among the hills surrounding the Grand Canyon. 

Ancient Joshua Tree-Grand Canyon, USA

On the way was shown a 90 years old Joshua tree. We had no means to confirm the age of the tree but it did look ancient.

The Grand Canyon ranch had a real 1800s look about it and we were told that real outlaws once hid in the same ranch. Lunch was a old-western style meal consisting of roast chicken with chunks of bread and salad eaten on wooden plates with wooden cutlery. 

Cowboys At Grand Canyon, USA

Real cowboys went about with their antics to entertain us with skits and songs. We were also treated to a gunfight show  in which 3 outlaws inside a bar were shot by the Marshals. It was actually quite fast and "Sudden" if you remember the old paperbacks which we used to read in school.

Tipis, Grand Canyon,USA

There was a wagon and some tipis around which we explored while waiting our turn for the Helicopter ride. We also tried to perfect the skill of lassoing a wooden cow .

Wagon,Grand Canyon,USA

The inside of the wagon was quite luxurious and the journeys were probably not as difficult as it seems today.

Wagon Interiors, Grand Canyon,USA

The wind being very strong, the helicopters were landing and taking off very carefully and the flights were getting delayed and passengers were drifting towards the Diamond bar.Soon our flight was announced and were boarded a Horse Drawn Wagon to go to the Heliport.

Horse Drawan Wagon,Grand Canyon,USA

The helicopter came slowly  and strted hovering 20 ft above the helipad. The stong wind was making it swing from side to side and the thought of flying in that machine  was frightening. 

Helicopter Descent, Grand Canyon, USA

But it descended extremely slowly over almost 5 minutes and as it came down the swinging stopped and it settled very gently on the "H" mark. We quickly boarded and took our pre-allotted seats.The helicopter took off gently and after gaining height started moving towards the Canyon. 

Helicopter View, Grand Canyon, USA

It was moving very slowly and the pilot was perfect and seemed to be a part of the machine ,expertly responding to the gusts of wind which were pushing the craft around. As the helicopter neared the Canyon the ground seemed to fall away and we were 6000 ft high above the Colorado river.The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 wonders of the world and the patterns on the sides tell the geological history of the area over 500 million years.

Geological History,Grand Canyon, USA

 Since the wind was strong the pilot did not enter the Canyon .On normal days he goes down about 2000 feet into the Canyon. The vegetation on the two sides is totally different, probably because the duration of  the sunlight falling on each side is different.

2 Sides of Grand Canyon,USA

After flying for about one and half hours during which the pilot kept up a steady description of each and everything around it was time to head back and an extremely thrilling experience was coming to an end.

The Helicopter Pilot, Grand Canyon, USA

The Helicopter turned around and headed towards the ranch and we could see it growing in size slowly as the helicopter approached.

The Ranch From The Air, Grand Canyon,USA

Inside Helicopter 

The landing was almost like a feather coming down and  the Horse wagon took us back to our Car. 

The guide took us on a tour of a nearby Joshua forest and explained how the Red Indians put the tree to 105 uses. Three hours later we were back at the Paris Hotel and the Las Vegas STRIP.

Inside Helicopter

Inside Helicopter

Las Vegas-The Entertainment Capital of the World

Slot Machines, Las Vegas

The moment you are out of the aircraft at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas you are greeted with the sight of rows of  slot machines with brightly colored screens ,one arm in the sky, inviting you to try your luck. I think it is all about creating the state of the mind and letting you realise that you are on holiday at the "Entertainment Capital of the World" . Las Vegas is a top destination among the places to travel and has several tourist places in and around it.

Hotel Paris,Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas is a hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, USA, that is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corp.. As its name suggests, its theme is the city of Paris in France; it includes a half scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, a sign in the shape of the Montgolfier balloon, a two-thirds size Arc de Triomphe and a replica of La Fontaine des Mers.The front of the hotel is modeled on the Paris Opera House and the Louvre. The Eiffer Tower was initially planned to be a full size replica but the airport authorities did not allow it.Also the back legs of the Eiffel Tower are actually inside the main gambling area.

Arc D Triumphe,Paris Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 The  massive front area of the Paris has the Casino Games /Bars/Live Entertainment etc and the rooms  at the back of the 24 Acre area. The gaming area at the Paris looks the same all 24 hours of the day with Stars twinkling in the artificial sky and the Moon also moving around.There is hectic activity going on all 24 hours. Tourists/vacationers  decide not to sleep at all once they are in Vegas. They do not want to miss a second of the fun and also I believe that lack of sleep makes people reckless and optimistic. Of the many games available , the Roulette and  the Slot machines were the most popular.When you bet on one number in roulette the return is 36 times. Both these games do not require any strategizing /observation/skill and are relaxing, enjoyable and pure fun.

Arnie Governator, Las Vegas

In addition to Pairs there are several more Hotels in Las Vegas on the strip each competeting with the other for drawing the crowds by having different themes, architecture, decorations like fountains  and statues etc. The popular  Hotel Casinos  are Bellagio, Venetian, Planet Hollywood, MGM Grand, Pallazzo, Ceasar's Palace many more in the 7 KM long STRIP of Las Vegas. Each one of them has its own original theme and characteristic attraction. 

Ceasar's Palace Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

Bellagio has its fountains, Ceasar's Palace its statues and the Venetian its Gondola boat ride with the singing Gondolier.

Venetian's Gondola with the Singing Gondolier,Las Vegas

LasVegas started off as a center for  Adult Entertainment  and accordingly in the eveining there are various shows held at different Casinos . We went to the Jubilee at Bally's the first night . It was a stunning show with 90 performers -including 50 topless dancers-going through 7 acts ,one of which was the Titanic . The second night we went to the Le Reve which was at the Wynn and was about a dream sequence enacted by about 100 performers in a pool of water with some suspended in the air and others under the water. It was equally stunning especially the agility and strength of the performers.

Madame Tussauds, Las Vegas

 Las Vegas has some excellent  Indian restaurants and the first day we tried the Namaste which serves both North Indian and South Indian cuisine. On the second day we tried the Tamba which was also excellent.Tamba means copper and there was a lot of copper in the form of plates,cutlery, decorations etc.

In the departure hall of the airport we found the slot machines. and that was not the end.Even in the area around the gate to the aircraft there were slot machines scattered around and ALL were being used.

Venetian, Las Vegas

Treasure Island, Las Vegas

Niagara Falls- A natural wonder of the US

Niagara Falls at Night

 As one approaches Niagara  a hum can be felt in the ears and it  keeps growing louder and louder.  It is the sound  of the falls audible from 10 KMs away and grows louder by the minute.The sound is omnipresent and can be heard all the time and all over the city.

Niagara Falls Lit Up at Night

We were driving along the Niagara river and the flow was faster than I have ever seen anywhere.After checking into the Hotel Crowne Plaza (an excellent Hotel in Niagara Falls) we decided to walk to the fall. It was easy.Just walk towards the roar.

Niagara Falls Lit Up From Canadian side, USA

It was evening and the falls were lit up in various colours with lights from the Canadian side in changing colors. The colour of the lights was changing from Red to Blue to White at 3 or 4 minutes intervals. The wind was strong and the temperature was low ,and being inappropriately dressed we were getting chilled to the bones, and literally. The wind can bite through the clothes and the flesh to chill the bones. I think that is why we have a wind chill factor in weather forecasts. 

Fireworks at Niagara Falls, USA

All of a sudden the fire works started and the sky was filled with exploding lights again in 3 colours, White, Red and Blue.

Exploding Fireworks at Niagara Falls,USA

It was an indeed spectacular sight with falls flooded with colored lights and exploding fireworks above.The show lasted about an hour and a half and despite the cold there was a sizeable crowd of tourists for whom the show was put up everyday during the tourist season.

Fireworks over Ontario ,Niagara Falls, USA

 There was a restaurant close by where one could have dinner and also get some respite from the biting cold wind.It was almost mid night when we went back to the Crowne Plaza for a good nights sleep.

Tours Leaving Crowne Plaza for Niagara Falls Tour,USA

Early next day we booked a tour that was going to take us around the Niagara City, The Falls and the Maid of the Mist ride.    We were given yellow PE Parkas and water proof shoes  at the very beginning,having to carry our own shoes in hand.                                                                                                                                                                                       

Memorial of Nikola Tesla ,Niagara Falls

The first stop was a memorial of Nikola Tesla who  designed and built the first Hydro electric Power Plant at Niagara Falls generating AC power. Uptil then Edison had been setting up DC Power plants. AC power can be generated in one place and transmitted over long distances using transmission lines. This was in fact the start of the  electrification of the world and it has changed the way earth appears from outer space.The US is one of the very few countries where you can see memorials of engineers and scientists,and Tesla was from Yugoslavia. Normally it is the Rulers, Military Generals or Artists who have the good fortune of having memorials built after them.

Niagara River ,before the Falls

From the top of the falls- the bank of the Niagara river - we were transported by an elevator ,down 150 ft to the bottom of the fall. The stone that was dug out was used to construct the building in which the elevator was housed. The place was called Goat Island.It was fun getting wet in the water that was coming down.                                                

Small falls at Goat Island, Niagara                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

The spray was getting into the Sony camera and soon it stopped giving clear pictures and then we had to switch to the more resilient Steve Jobs Apple I Phone.The photographs became bigger in size,but lacked the sharpness and clarity of the Sony.

Anyways it was time for the Maid of the Mist ride and our yellow parkas were replaced with Blue ones,probably some kind of colour code for those who have been on the boat and those who have not.

Bridal Veil Falls viewed from The Maid of the Mist,Niagara

These are the smaller Bridal Veil falls which you pass on the boat. Uptil then it seems quite peaceful.The sea gulls are flying around looking for the fish which crash onto the rocks on the sides of the fall  and provide a hearty meal for the birds.

Niagara Falls from Maid of the Mist

As you get closer to the actual falls the spray/mist starts appearing and the water starts getting rough. While passing through the Mist on its Maid, these are the distinct memories which stay with you for ever.

Waves Rocking The Maid of the Mist, Niagara

1. The boat is rocking almost a good 12 inches up and down forcing you to hold on firmly to something or the other.
2. The  deafening  roar of the waterfall is pierced by the shrill screams of the sea gulls who are circling  around you looking for fish which has not survived the water fall.
   
3. There is a fine mist/spray in the air which gets into your eyes,ears, clothes ,neck almost every where.
4. There is a smell of fish all around. 

Waves Created by The Falls, Niagara

All of these add to the exihiliration  of the ride and  it is definitely one of the most thrilling experiences one can have.

Falls from the Maid of the Mist, Nigara

The Maid of the Mist turned around and headed back.

Canadian Flag on the Maid of the Mist

We visited a few more places in the city but they were too tame  and simple compared to the Maid of the Mist ride and we headed back to the excellent sports bar of the Crowne Plaza and spent the evening watching some ice hockey match ,live on TV.

Niagara River after the Falls

Sports Bar at The Crowne Plaza, Niagara

 From the groans and the cheering all around it appeared to be some important match.

Ontario from The Niagara Falls

The US is the top destination among places to travel and Niagara Falls is the most popular tourist place in the USA.

Sea World-Orlando

The light house at the gate of Sea World in Orlando has sketches of Shamu, the killer whale and the anticipation  of actually seeing an Orca  killer whale  starts the thrill which stays with you till you come out of the Shamu stadium.

Sea World Lighthouse, Orlando

 Having obtained the passes for the Shamu show ,we had 4 hours to kill and went around the Sea World.

Dolphin Tank, Sea World ,Orlando 

The most interesting was the Dolphin  Enclosure and we could see the Dolphins actively and briskly going about their antics. Occasionally trainers would come with fish, whistle (soundless) some commands which would be dutifully followed and the performers would get their fishy reward. 

Dolphins At seaworld,Orlando

The tanks in Sea World are transparent and upon going underground you can watch the Dolphins closely. For some reason one gets the distinct feeling that the Dolphins are actually watching you and sometimes come close to the wall to have a closer look at some person who interests them. maybe it was my imagination running wild.

Laziest Marine, Sea World,Orlando

In sharp contrast to the frisky dolphins was another marine animal who just eats from birth to death and grows in weight and size to more than 4 tons. This one dislikes,no,  just hates making any kind of movement at all.

Penguins at Sea World, Orlando

We moved on and entered a dark building which was the home of the Penguins.  The conditions inside the glass enclosure are maintained exactly like the south pole where the penguins have their natural abode.  The flightless birds are actually quite playful -i think Happy Feet is not too much of an exaggeration -and one can spend hours just watching them.Since the enclosure is brightly lit and the viewers are in darkness, the Penguins are oblivious to the viewer's presence and behave naturally, sometimes playing pranks on each other.  By now it was time for our Shamu show and we proceeded to the Shamu stadium.

Shamu Stadium,Sea World,Orlando

The stadium was huge with a massive glass tank in the middle. We were offered  blue parkas but we declined, much to our regret later. Soon Shamu the orca was entering the tank and a collective gasp went up. One cannot imagine the sheer size of the animal which weighs 6000 kg while the trainer would have weighed a maximum of 60kg. It is indeed remarkable that humans  can control an animal 100 times their weight. The show started with the trainer standing on the nose of the Orca which was swimming under water-we could see them because the walls of the tank were transparent-at a high speed, the trainer's long hair trailing behind her. After one speedy round Shamu came up to the surface, the standing  trainer slowly emerging from the water, slowing down, and Shamu carefully and gently  tossed her on to the side of the pool . Suddenly all of Shamu's gentleness disappeared and he jumped up in the air to crash  back in the water with 6 tonnes of water(equal to his weight) being splashed on to the spectators properly drenching their clothes . We understood what the blue parkas were about. By now there were several orca in the tank each performing various tricks and getting rewarded with fishy treats. In one particular trick two orca came half out of water resting their front halves on a small ledge. The trainer broke out into a jig and the Orca pair followed suit to the accompaniment of suitable music. The trainers were by education Doctorates in Marine Psychology and through years of experience could understand the  moody and temperamental Orcas. In fact there seemed to exist a special bond between the Orca and their handlers. However in 2010 we came to know that one of the trainers had been dragged down to the bottom of the same tank and not released till she died. We could recognize her picture. After the incident  the handlers and orca do not enter the same tank together.

Our particular show ended abruptly with the Orcas not responding to the calls and whistles of the handlers. The handlers apologized for the abrupt ending ,at the same time explaining that the Orca is by nature  moody and once they decide not to perform, no amount of enticement can turn them around. Punishment of course is out of question because, besides being unethical, where would you find somebody  who would administer it.