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  Hawk Over The Skywalk-Grand Canyon West  

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Uploaded: 01/14/12 5:12 PM GMT
Hawk Over The Skywalk-Grand Canyon West
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Actually, the Hawk is a Raven that did not rhyme with Skywalk LOL. I took this from the rim since no cameras were allowed on the Skywalk. It extends 70 feet over the Grand Canyon’s rim and weighs 1.2 million pounds. Two people with cameras were stationed on the skywalk and took our pictures for $30 a print. I was not very impressed, the views along the surrounding rims were much more awesome and less restrictive. This is what it is...a cash cow. The clear glass was scratched despite the mandatory surgical booties. The surrounding tourist areas were unfinished and makeshift after over 4 years! The charged was over $80...$29.95 to walk the Skywalk and the rest was for a "permit" to be on the premises which belong to the Hualapai Nation! Well controlled and quite a trap. The bright side was a different point of view of the Canyon that is truly Grand. Overall, a good choice if you don't mind the legal ripoff :) There is a 9 mile stretch of unpaved road for those of you who wish to visit. I was impressed, however, about the incredible engineering work, conditions and circumstances that lead to the Skywalk's existence.

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.marcaribe
01/14/12 6:07 PM GMT
I was in shock when I read the price to walk out on the skywalk, I thought it was built by the Park Service and free.. guess I was wrong about that and won't be doing that anytime soon. The people look so small gives a good example how truly large the Grand Canyon is. Great story and super photo!
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::0930_23
01/14/12 7:00 PM GMT
I was looking forward to going there, but you have changed my mind Vanda. Money, or the quest thereof, spoils everything.
You need a Hawkcam. :) Good post.

TicK


(Viewed Full Screen)
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People are like cameras--sometimes they lose focus.
.Roseman_Stan
01/14/12 8:09 PM GMT
Neat capture! Fine work.
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"If I should leave this path of life today, I would carry the vision of Gods' rose blooms with me as I go......" -- Stan V. Griep
.BarnArt
01/14/12 9:34 PM GMT
Have not been there since this thing was built, and now that you have acquainted us with the realities of the place, I will be in no hurry to see it, if ever, LOL! Oh, and by the way, I do believe your "hawk" is actually a raven, of which there are many in the canyon territory.
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What ever happened to the good ol' days?
::tigger3
01/14/12 9:48 PM GMT
The perspective you achieved is so good, it's a shame about the politics that have to go on even in the parks. I was there before this was built. Tigs♥ =^..^=
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
::Jimbobedsel
01/14/12 11:41 PM GMT
I would love to see the GC, but I would spend the $80 on some really good food! LOL. Beautiful shot and the hawk is pretty cool in the shot. Well done, Vanda.
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JB
.koca
01/15/12 1:04 AM GMT
Beautiful and impressive, Vanda. Nice perspective. I love the bird.
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.Eubeen
01/15/12 8:09 AM GMT
The price does seem a bit steep, but isn't everything else overpriced as well nowadays. A nice perspective in your capture of the "hawk" and canyon. Nice textures and colours in the scene.
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Life’s disappointments are harder to take when you don’t know any swear words. — Bill Watterson
::Starry173
01/16/12 12:18 AM GMT
Great shot of the skyway and surrounding beauty. I also had been fascinated by it when I first heard about it, but it does sound rather pricey. Thanks for the info as well.
Tom
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::J_E_F
01/19/12 6:00 PM GMT
It's all about timing.

Perfect!

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¦:º)
.ted3020
01/20/12 1:22 AM GMT
The Grand Canyon is free at the National Park. This is a good photo although on the skywalk it might be better.
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::Nikoneer
10/24/12 9:34 PM GMT
I've always thought of the skywalk as a gimmick and, after what you've told us about how badly they gouge visitors, my perception is confirmed. The Grand Canyon is on my bucket list but not this spot. http://www.parkfilms.com/gcviewpoints.html brings you to a list of great spots for rim photography and the fee for the park is $12 per person, good for a full week. Beats the heck out of $80 to push your vertigo into overdrive, plus another $30 to have a personal souvenir of the walk? Oy! Here at Caedes we learn more about pursuing our craft but when we learn other important elements that have bearing on getting those shots, it's a bonus. Thanks, Vanda.

[I don't know if it's my computer or a glitch at Caedes but although I can see this image as a thumbnail in your gallery, it's all white here and won't load at all.]

-Nik
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