Day 31. Grand Canyon Sky Walk

Charlie has had several cases of white knuckles on our route.  So I was surprised when he suggested we stay another day in Kingman and make the 70 mile drive to the Grand Canyon Sky Walk.  Essentially, this is a glass bottom semi-circle platform that extends over part of the canyon.  Even I was a little excited/anxious.  Things to know.  It is not run by the National Park Service so no Senior Pass discount.  They do not allow you to take a camera with you on the walkway.  And it cost $150+ per couple for admission to the sky walk, an overlook spot and village, and a kids-type entertainment stop.  Food and souvenirs can be purchased at each stop.  Buses transport you between the stops.  All-in-all, we liked it.  Charlie and I both enjoyed the sky walk and agreed that pictures shot through the glass walkway had little chance of turning out well anyway.  The visitors who sat on what seemed to be the very edge of the canyon for pictures were nuts.  The Native American dancers and singers at the village were pleasant to watch and the life-size models of Native American homes was interesting. 

My favorite part of it all was meeting an adorable couple from Texas.  I met the Air Force veteran on the first bus when Charlie offered him a seat.  He shared that he had met his wife in Japan where he lived for 10 years.  He said this is their last hurray because he is 87 years old and she is 82.  He said he did want to visit Japan once more, and that he could since his son is a commercial airline pilot with tickets available.  We went on to a discussion of politicians, specifically Hilary, Donald, and Bernie.  It was a really nice conversation with a sharp intelligent gentleman.  Then on the second bus trip, I sat beside his lovely wife when Charlie again offered up his seat.  She was a bit reluctant saying, “I’m not that old!” at which point her husband piped in, “Don’t believe a word she says!”  Talking with her, I learned they’ve been married for more than 60 years.  She said her husband told her this was their last hurray, but that he always says that!  I love this couple!  And then she paid us the best possible compliment.  She said her husband and she had discussed us and decided we were really nice people and they don’t meet nice people very often.  Awww.  I told her I think there are many nice people.  It occurred to me later that maybe folks don’t approach older people and strike up random conversation.  Oh, I don’t look forward to be ignored!  Hey, guys!  Make eye contact, smile, and talk!  There’s some really nice old people out there!