planning stages - cost estimates starting...

As I am planning a rough itinerary and estimating travel costs, I think with all the moving parts, I’m maybe gonna need a good travel agent’s help? Im trying to get it roughed out before I have to make that kind of call… Planning for next summer (don’t think I/we can have this all figured out and costs covered any sooner) so between mine and Shirley’s birthdays June/July.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Grand_Canyon

Thinkin train from Rochester to AZ (Amtrak's Southwest Chief, operates a sleeper train that you can get from ROC and transfer in Chicago, then it stops at Williams Junction AZ, with connections to the Grand Canyon Railway). Then maybe flight back from AZ or Nevada back to ROC?

Travel cost estimates to AZ Options:

Airfare: Rochester to AZ?  Roughly $600 for 2 people

Train: Rochester to AZ?  Aprox $2000 for 2 people

More details and cost estimates coming as I figure out details and other side trip type stuff as I know Shirley also wants to see the Skywalk on the “west” side of the Grand Canyon (5 hours from park). Which may be like $80 per person?! (http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/live-cam/ link to live webcam at Skywalk!)

YouTube Video of Skywalk

Wish me/us luck…
Directions and Maps to the Skywalk - PLEASE NOTE that Google Maps and MapQuest do not have the correct route to get to the Skywalk. Following Google Maps or MapQuest could take you to Peach Springs, a town about two hours southeast of the Skywalk.

“Fulfill a Wish Fund” for Shirley

Dear Family & Friends,

Many of you know I was looking forward to a big birthday party next year to celebrate my 50^th.  I have decided instead to start a “Fulfill a Wish Fund” to help my sister Shirley make a dream of hers a reality, to see the Grand Canyon.   Shirley has been battling Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for many years and between bouts of chemo and antidepressants – she fantasizes about being well enough to see the Grand Canyon someday.  So if you were planning on helping me to celebrate my milestone birthday next year, I would ask you instead to consider helping me to take Shirley to the Grand Canyon. How we get her there and where and how long we stay and etc depends on how much I can put away in the “Fulfill a Wish Fund”  beyond the monies I had began to set aside for my party. 

You all know me, and hopefully you know me well enough to know I do not often ask for help with anything and I would never ask for money… but I think this is something that I can only do right with assistance. 

In the coming weeks I plan to research estimated costs for travel and ect and I will set an approximate target goal of how much I think we will need.  I then will be creating a fundraising site for information and submission of donations – please let me know if you would be willing to make a contribution either of resources or monetary donations when I am ready.  I thank each and every one of you so much in advance for your consideration of this request.  

Much Love,

Sandi