Day Two

Another excruciatingly early start. Back to the crater to finish off, with Ian doing his geological observations.

He's like a mountain goat - he leaps up near vertical rocks without a second thought. And he's so excited about geology. It's a scary thing to be driven by him, though - he's so interested in the rocks flashing by, you occasionally need to remind him about oncoming vehicles (as we veer into their lane).

Flew back direct to Lone Pine - right over the Grand Canyon and Death Valley. Hopelessly exciting! Grand Canyon (and Canyonlands beyond) is just vast. Amazing to see it from the air. And great to see Death Valley from above too ... trying to pick out the place Ellen did her epic walk in programme 3. And picking out 'Furnace Creek' and Zabriskie Point - amazing places I've visited before.