I think I’ve sort of fallen in love with Arizona. The 250 mile drive from Boulder City to the Grand Canyon doesn’t necessarily go through wonderful country – in fact much of it is barren and rough – but what a climate! At least what a May climate – I’m not sure I’d want to sit outside in August. But this is my first experience of walking around in really rather hot sun, and not sweating at all. Absolutely nil perspiration. It’s quite something.

But it was a little cooler at the Grand Canyon and sadly, there was a little haze down in the depths. Visibility was fine but it was never going to give me a set of stunning photographs. Even the ‘must-see’ sunset was a bit of a disappointment. But the place was far from disappointing. As I said before, it was on my list of things to do before I die. And it’s still on the list only now it’s things to do again.

The awesome majesty and breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon cannot be denied. I was, in a word, spellbound from my first glimpse over the rim. And, from my limited experience, National parks is something the Americans do really well. Minimal commercialisation and a fantastic infrastructure of shuttle buses to move you through the miles.

it’s just that next time, I want to get down to the bottom and I don’t think my legs are up to that any more!