October 10, 2012

Now that’s better! Wake-up call at 8:45 a.m. Breakfast. Departure for the Grand Canyon at 10:30 a.m. (Those taking the helicopter ride or 12-hr excursion departed at 6:30 a.m. Others at 7:30 a.m.) Arriving at Grand Canyon Village, we made our way to various overlooks by taking the shuttle. Lisa and I hiked to the first overlook – Trailview Overlook (.7 mile). During the hike we found a spot at the top to rest. While resting – a condor flew right in front of us! We saw not one - but three! 

Continuing, we saw Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, Pima Point, and Hermits Rest. Each of the overlooks provided a different view of the Canyon and the River below. At Pima Point – we could see rapids on the River and even some rafts making their way through the rapids –about a mile below where we were standing. Hermits Rest was the overlook at the end of the shuttle’s red line.  The building at Hermits Rest was designed by architect, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. She designed many of the buildings at the Grand Canyon South Rim (i.e. Watchtower, Hopi House). 

After Hermits Rest, Lisa and I returned to Bright Angel Lodge where we had lunch in the Arizona Room which overlooked the Grand Canyon. After lunch we made our way to Mather Point and Yavapai Point. At Yavapai Point was a Geology Museum with views of the Canyon and information regarding rock layers, etc. To end our time at the Canyon we had drinks and sat in the rocking chairs at The El Tovar Hotel as the sun set – casting a shadow over the Canyon – again, the Canyon took on a different personality as we bid farewell and made our way back to the hotel.