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Published: June 21st 2017
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Hoover Dam from Plane
Jan 23 2016 30 View from Plane Geo: 36.0846, -115.172
Today was the major reason for our visit to Las Vegas. We had booked on Maverick Tour's Grand Canyon trip, which involved picking us up from our hotel and transferring us to Henderson Airport for a light plane flight to the South Rim of the Canyon.
We were all picked up on time and very early, and transferred to the very small terminal at Henderson.
After all of us being carefully weighed which is not so pleasant, we boarded our very, very small plane. At this point I was petrified! Once the plane took off however, the views were spectacular. We were even lucky enough to fly over the Hoover Dam. Once we reached cruising altitude, we were encouraged to move around and even all invited one by one into the cockpit to take amazing shots out of the front window. The scenery was totally superb, especially as there was still a dusting of snow over lots of the canyon.
Once we landed at Grand Canyon airport we were transferred to a tram like bus and driven through the Grand Canyon National Park to Mather Point, our first stop. There was the option to pay extra for a helicopter
Inside the Plane
Jan 23 2016 42 Inside the Plane flight over the Canyon, which a couple of people did, but most of us were satisfied with simply looking and walking. As I said previously it was amazing. We had an hour or so at Mather Point before being transferred to Bright Angel Lodge where we were all presented with lunch packs consisting of turkey rolls, chips, a cookie and a drink. The food was very nice and although cold we chose to sit outside overlooking the rim of the Canyon while eating.
Again, we had an hour or so here, which was plenty of time to walk around and get lots of information about the Grand Canyon and surrounding area as well as take thousands of photos.
We were then transferred back to Grand Canyon Airport for the flight back and the return bus transfer to our Las Vegas hotels.
Obviously, we aren't used to the US tipping system, although we had become used to the constant putting your hand in your pocket and tipping everyone and his dog. We watched everyone leaving the bus, as we were last to be dropped off, and no-one tipped the driver. When we got off, we didn't either, as the tour had cost almost
The Plane at Grand Canyon Airport
Jan 23 2016 72 Our Plane and its Captain On the Ground at Grand Canyon Airport $3000 US for the eight of us, so we didn't really think tipping was necessary on top. Sadly, it seems the driver didn't agree. His attitude went from genial and friendly to totally rude as he virtually pushed us off of the bus and sped off without a goodbye.
A sad end to an amazing day, but we live and learn. Thank goodness we live in a non-tipping culture!
After freshening up we again visited the Prestige Lounge for more cocktails before dinner in Grand Luxe Café and walk along the strip to see the Bellagio Fountains, indulge in a spot of gambling at the Bellagio and a few drinks at New York New York.
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