The entire trip was full of surprises (always good ones) - too many to recount all here. The following is a piece I wrote on my return (for a group for whom I write regularly; my pieces form part of a local weekly 'talking news' for visually impaired listeners). This one recounts just one of the several revealing walks we took on this trip. For us participants it was an experience of real discovery, but at all times we were most carefully monitored by our leaders, and we always had every confidence in them.
A remarkable experience giving tasters of 5 quite unique National Parks. The group is small enough to give freedom to explore each area according to ability and fitness levels by oneself or in small subgroups. A lot of travelling but the views are worth it. Accommodation excellent although the facilities were not always used due to a packed timetable. People need to be aware of early morning starts to make the most of the day if walking as we experienced unusually high temperatures at the end of the season with no rain. There was sufficient freedom to choose whether to eat in the evenings with other members or in subgroups. The included activities added to the experience and were well worth it. Optional activities were available and wide ranging.
NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST This was definitely the holiday of a lifetime! Highlight after highlight as we covered 2,200 miles visiting some of America's most stunning national parks. Our young Californian guide Collin bubbled with enthusiasm and energy and looked after us brilliantly and it was a great group of fellow travellers, all keen to make the most of the opportunities on offer, including hiking, horse-riding, jeep tours and canyoneering.