Although it only takes a single look to be awed by the Grand Canyon, there are nearly 600 miles of rim ledge from which to gaze, each mile offering a new vantage point and unique perspective of the mighty crack. The Canyon itself is constantly changing with the seasons, one month offering the contrast of baked rock against muddy waters and another mixing white snow with green underbrush. It is no small thing to look at the Grand Canyon, and it would be impossible to see all of its wonders in one trip.

As an American, I reassure myself that I can return to the Grand Canyon. But what if your trip was a once-in-a-lifetime event? What if you didn’t know you could return – and really, none of us is ever guaranteed another trip anywhere – and you wanted to make the most of your moment? Rather than pick one lookout point on one rim on one day, many international travelers choose to soar above and below the Grand Canyon, taking in the view with the gluttony of a Las Vegas buffet.

The Papillon tour company shuttles visitors by from Vegas hotels to the Boulder City airport, where customers await their turn to board one of 48 helicopters. Standing in the airport lounge waiting for my name to be called, I heard party after party called from Spain, Brazil, the UK, Canada, and other countries around the world. Only once did I hear a state beside my own welcomed. Perhaps, as Americans, we take for granted that we will have endless opportunities to explore our own natural wonders; maybe we just don’t realize how impressive our native countryside is.

Grand Canyon helicopter tours offer a unique opportunity to fly above the canyon and dip below the rim, covering more miles in a two-hour tour than you could hope to cover by bus or hiking boot in days. On select tours, the aircraft will descend 4,000 feet to the canyon floor, setting down beside the Color River where passengers can then explore on their own. After time for photos and a celebratory champagne toast, visitors can climb aboard their helicopters and effortlessly scale nearly a mile of rocky terrain.

The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel that should be experienced rather than seen. It’s plateaus and Godly staircases beg to be conquered. From my helicopter seat, I vowed to return and go deeper, stay longer, get closer to the rocks that sipped past my window. But I remembered, too, that future adventures are never certain, and I was grateful the chance to stuff this visit and my memory with as many vistas as possible.

Just in case.

Photos: Britt Reints

Every time we begin plotting vacation ideas here in the US I am always amazed by the vast size of our country. How incredible it would be if we could just move into an RV and drive, coast to coast, north to south, exploring every state at our leisure.

This year we will visit a few places new to our family as well as places my husband and I visited before we had kids, which we can’t wait to explore with the girls. Also included is a small “wish list” of destinations we would like to make it to, if time and money allow.

The Desert Southwest

Apache Junction

February will find my eldest daughter and I enjoying a long weekend in Chandler/Tempe/Mesa/Apache Junction, Arizona. I have visited in the past, but this will be Brenna’s first time seeing large cactus, mountains, and a real desert. We won’t get to the Grand Canyon, but have it on our “when the girls a re a bit older” list. Read More »

One of my big passions is Ireland.  Since my first visit I have felt at home there, welcomed by her people and the land itself.  Maybe it’s that mystical feeling that keeps me coming back.  Or maybe it’s the rugged beauty of the land, the friendliness of the people or the fabulous fish & chips.  Whatever it is that brings us, my family and I will be returning to Ireland’s shores in 2012.  My plans call for two trips, one in late spring and one in winter, and though my plans aren’t complete, there are a few “musts” on my Ireland bucket list for 2012.

Places to Visit in Ireland

Giant’s Causeway

Did Finn McCool pave the way to Scotland with these stones?

While science tells us the hexagonal stones were created from volcanic eruptions it’s much more fun to believe the tale of Fionn Mac Cumhai (Finn McCool) battling a giant in Scotland. Read More »

Guthrie, Oklahoma was once the capital of Oklahoma Territory. When the territory became a state, that title went to Oklahoma City; stolen in the dead of night, some say. Standing on the land once meant for the state capital, Guthrie now has something a bit more magnificent and exotic. Guthrie has one of the largest Scottish Rite Temples in the world, which can be toured for a mere $5.

Touring the Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma

Approaching the Temple

Approaching this massive limestone structure from the front has a way of making you feel very, very small. Elaborate doors dwarf your approach and a sign ushers you to a door at the far right. Entering the office area you begin to get an idea of what you are about to see. Read More »