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Get off your a$$ and hike the Grand Canyon trails

The very popular mule rides that transport visitors into the splendid rocky depths of the Grand Canyon in Arizona will be drastically reduced under a new plan by the National Park Service.

According to the NPS announcement, the number of mules allowed on the Bright Angel Trail, the most traveled route into the canyon from the South Rim, will drop from 40 to 10 riders daily.

The NPS reason for the cut-back in mule rides is that the trail over the years has eroded to potentially unsafe conditions, and repairs are getting too expensive. Additionally, hikers are complaining that they must share the ever-narrowing trails with the mules and the inevitable stuff the mules leave behind. NPS also states that it wants to encourage more hikers to use the trail.

There will be mule rides available along the less-spectacular but safer top of the South Rim trails. For those planning Grand Canyon visits, they should know the hugely popular mule rides will become even more difficult to book, and reservations of up to a year in advance are advised.

For more information, go to NPS.org.
How to breeze thru airport security PDF Print E-mail

Cartoon of running couple

Well, not really a very fast breeze these days, but if you do it right, at least you can avoid the usual snail’s pace . Here are some suggestions for easing your way:

1. Wear easy-off shoes, sandals and boots. Nothing is so awkward in the security line as when you’re juggling tickets, purses, computers, tickets and other stuff, and then have to stoop over to remove or put on footwear. Make it at least a bit less inconvenient if you can get barefoot in a hurry.

2. Wear a jacket or vest with lots of pockets when going through security. Have all papers and other documents ready ready to be displayed.

3. Yeah, we know all the gripes about the body scans, and how they’re getting more embarrassing as new ones are invented. If you must go through the ordeal, keep calm and courteous. The scan person is just doing a job and has heard it all before.

4. Know the no-no rules about stuff you can’t carry through security, and be sure to leave it with your checked bags before you must go through the delays caused by your thoughtless error. Be sure your laptop is in approved bag with open flap in case it is inspected.

And, for your own peace of mind, get to the airport early, so the ordeal won’t also include running to a gate that has just closed. Be prompt, not sorry.
 
 
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