PDA

View Full Version : Pre-TAM9 Touristy Shenanigans

phyz
12th February 2011, 05:55 PM
For some reason, I find this strangely intriguing. West Rim ... SkyWalk ... floating on the Colorado.

http://www.sundancehelicopters.com/tourpage.aspx?id=181

Wednesday? I suppose it could be done Monday (post-TAM), too.
Hutch
13th February 2011, 06:05 AM
Tim, lynn, rebecca and I did something similar to this a couple of years ago and if you don't have time to make it to the National Park site (240+ miles), this is an excellent 1-day way to see a part of the Canyon. And the helicopter ride into and out of the canyon is nearly worth the price.


Here's the thread (with pictures) http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=74864
phyz
13th February 2011, 02:30 PM
Thanks, Hutch!
SkepticScott
14th February 2011, 07:46 AM
I did a west end helicopter tour before TAM7 Papillon Helicopter, which landed in the canyon for lunch. Last year Showercomic, Mattfn and I did the day-long bus and helicopter trip to the South Rim. That helicopter trip was a 30-minute flight over the canyon which gave us some excellent scenery and views.

Both trips were about $200-$250 total. Adding the helicopter to the bus trip was cheap, less than $50 additional IIRC.
phyz
14th February 2011, 04:29 PM
I was focusing on SkyWalk and building an excursion around that. I've spent time at South Rim (great views but, wow: the crowds!), and North Rim (I'm a convert: I don't know if I'll ever go back to South Rim), but haven't dipped a toe into West Rim.
The Central Scrutinizer
14th February 2011, 05:47 PM
I was focusing on SkyWalk and building an excursion around that. I've spent time at South Rim (great views but, wow: the crowds!), and North Rim (I'm a convert: I don't know if I'll ever go back to South Rim), but haven't dipped a toe into West Rim.

Luciana and I went to the North Rim. Hardly anyone around. Based on what I have heard about the South Rim, I have no interest in going there.
SkepticScott
15th February 2011, 07:54 AM
Yeah, there were crowds, but the airport is on the south. Can you get a helicopter fly-over from the north?
The Central Scrutinizer
15th February 2011, 08:00 AM
Yeah, there were crowds, but the airport is on the south. Can you get a helicopter fly-over from the north?

No. There's not much of anything there. A lodge (with a nice restaurant) and some cabins.
phyz
16th February 2011, 01:02 AM
Point Imperial, access to Point Sublime via a 4WD road. Incurred some pin-striping on the truck, but that's what trucks are for. Nice trails, and (usually) access to viewpoints and trails on the Walhalla peninsula.

North Rim is what a National Park experience should be. South Rim is more of a zoo. Great views, but very crowded.
SkepticScott
16th February 2011, 07:02 AM
I highly recommend a helicopter trip. The one from the South Rim was a little bumpy at times, but the view straight down as you go over the edge and the ground just falls away and away and away is awesome.
phyz
18th February 2011, 01:49 AM
Enhanced by low-altutude flying on approach to the rim and perfectly cued Also Sprach Zarathustra.
Tamazon
21st February 2011, 11:27 AM
I'll be flying in on the 12th this year giving me Wednesday free. I'd love to tag along on a pre-Tam trip if nobody minds. I've never been to the Grand Canyon. Never been in a helicopter either.

I think if I go up in aircraft this year, I'll stay in it for the landing as well. :)
SkepticScott
21st February 2011, 08:57 PM
I think if I go up in aircraft this year, I'll stay in it for the landing as well. :)It's one way of avoiding goggle marks on your face. :)
zooterkin
23rd February 2011, 08:05 AM
I haven't booked anything else yet, but I have booked vacation time to cover TAM9, so I'm probably going to be there. :) I'd be interested in a trip of some sort out to the Grand Canyon, either before or after TAM, as it's one thing I wish I'd done last year.
phyz
17th April 2011, 02:37 PM
Looks like the price has jumped a wee bit for the 2011 season, but it still looks (to me) to be the best option for seeing/doing a bunch of Grand Canyon stuff in a relatively short interval.
phyz
13th June 2011, 04:23 PM
My inclination is to book this thing for Wednesday, July 13. If there's a crash, numerology will be proved correct. If not, better to generate Del Mar iPad pic-sharing fodder pre-TAM rather than post.
hcmom
13th June 2011, 04:34 PM
Anybody have $611 they want to lend me?

Oh, $1222, since my son would want to come too...
TheZebu
13th June 2011, 09:29 PM
Anybody have $611 they want to lend me?

Oh, $1222, since my son would want to come too...

Me too, but change lend to give. I looked into this last month when I booked for TAM9, just bit too much on top of everything else. Oh a Sessional Instructor does not make alot.... :(