Doug Samuel from Clermont, United States shares Grand Canyon Experience

Doug Samuel from Clermont, United States provides insight into a Grand Canyon Trip. Doug shares perspective on the best Grand Canyon attractions and things to do in Grand Canyon. See some incredible photos of Grand Canyon South Rim and surrounding area too!


From Landscapes and wildlife to history and adventure, what’s the one thing about the Grand Canyon that has intrigued you?

Seeing the Grand Canyon defines the term “breathtaking” as the immensity literally takes your breath away. For our 30th anniversary, we hiked the Bright Angel Trail to the 3 mile mark. It is a hike that will be with us forever, as the scenery was absolutely amazing. It really makes you feel humbled by it all. Now we want to return and hike down to the 4.5 mile stop.

If this is your first visit to Grand Canyon, what motivated you to visit? If this is a revisit, what’s your reason for wanting to come back?

We’ve been to the Canyon 3 times. There is almost a calling to come back as seeing the canyon really puts everything in life into perspective. Very peaceful times spent there.

What are five things your Backpack to the Canyon must contain?

Water. Good snacks. Small first aid kit. Extra socks. More water.

What is the best way to get to the Grand Canyon – By Air, By Road or By Rail? Why?

We come by road since we can bring our camper. Love staying at Trailer Village. In addition, lots of great scenery and people along the way from Florida.

What is travel to you in one word?

Adventure

What are three tips for an awesome budget trip to the Grand Canyon?

For a great, nice but lower cost meal, eat at the Bright Angel Restaurant instead of the Arizona Room (which is also very nice).

It may cost more to stay in the park, but it is worth it because you save the time and cost of driving the long distance to the canyon each day.

What type of camera did you bring? Any tips on shooting the Grand Canyon?

A Canon SX30 as well as cell phone cameras.

Just shoot as many pictures as you can and delete later. You never know what type of shot you will get. My wife took some amazing pictures with her SX30.

What surprised you about the Grand Canyon?

The most surprising thing is I don’t get tired of it.

As a travel destination, how would you rank the Grand Canyon from 1 to 10?

1

Did you visit the Visitor Center?

Yes. The visitor center is really nice. Lots of great displays and good information.

 

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m 57 years old, wife is 56. We are currently living in Central Florida. We’ve been to the Grand Canyon 3 times so far, twice to the south rim and once to the north rim. Really enjoyed camping at Trailer Village.

My wife is recently retired from Walt Disney World and I work for the US Navy. We’ve been to many of the National Parks and particularly enjoy hiking the Grand Canyon and Smoky Mountains National Park.

Doug Samuel
Clermont
FL, United States

Please note: Photography on this page is copyright of Doug Samuel.

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