Grand Canyon Sky-walk

I'll give it 2 months before its either got
A) a roof
or
B) nets underneath a la Eiffel tower.

I'm not sure I'd have the guts to go on it, but it looks spectacular, and the Grand Canyon is certainly an awesome place for it.

That certainly improves the view from the Grand Canyon but not the view OF the Grand Canyon.

I've jumped 103metres off a bridge with a towel wrapped round my ankles; stood on the viewing platforms at the former WTC, done the same at the Centrepoint Tower in Sydney... and I wouldn't go on that. even after reading it's approx 40% into the canyon wall for its cantilever.

I think architecturally it trivialises the natural beauty of the area; makes it into a sort of theme-park attraction.

Wanna see the bottom? - take the guided expeditiion down and up again.

Someone's been watching the re-hash "Auf Weidersein, Pet" when the 'lads'



reconstruct the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge



over an Arizona Canyon to breathe new economic life (i.e. Casino*) into a run-down Native American community...

James

*EDIT This Grand Canyon Sky-Walk is being funded by - guess what? - a Casino consortium...

$25 to go on it. I'd do it, but if it failed with me on it I'd want a refund.

Err, I heard $75 per stroll, more or less officially (from a guy who's hooked in to the Hualapai network).

I'd pay twice that to be allowed to not walk on it. No spank you.

Not counting on the nets, there are plenty of places along the South rim where one step and you could be nearly 1000m from the next (very hard) object... And the rangers, signs, etc. all remind tourists that this is not Disneyland, you can get hurt if you don't exercise reasonable care.
It does seem like a potential eyesore but the canyon is so BIG that you could simply go somewhere else where it would not be visible.
As for flying over it, the flights are limited as the eco system is relatively susceptible to the exhaust of the helicopters, etc.
This is one place where pictures, movies, verbal accounts, etc. pale in comparison to the actual place. Amazing.
David

Grand Canyon? Nah, ain't got a patch on where I live...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6141692.stm

....well especially after a bottle or two of wine

Regards,


Willy.

Willy perhaps they'll build you guys a skywalk?

$25 a pop.

Here

quote:

Originally posted by Willy:
Grand Canyon? Nah, ain't got a patch on where I live...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6141692.stm

Jeez, the grimy, dirty Sydney Opera House is at the top of the list!

quote:

Originally posted by BigH47:
Willy perhaps they'll build you guys a skywalk?

Actually we had one years ago. The Gobbins Cliff path. Was along the bottom of the cliffs, in places cantilevered out over the sea. Had several bridges as well. Was built by the railway company so tourists would get the train out from Belfast to see it. Fell into dis-repair and was finally closed about 1963. There's talk of reinstating it but that would require our politicians to get their act together so don't book your tickets just yet!

Regards,

Willy.