The Grand Canyon was carved out of the Colorado River. The erosion took millions of years and has left a spectacular sight.
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| Canyon View from Desert View Area with Colorado River |
First stop on entering through the East Entrance was Desert ViewVisitors Center and Watchtower, the highest spot in the Park. Mary Coulter designed the tower as a recreation of an Anasazi watchtower.
The ground level of the tower was a large, round observation room with a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon. Upstairs the Hopi Room presents paintings by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie, who took the room's theme from the Hopi Snake Dance. An outdoor observation deck is directly above the observation room.
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| View from Tower |
The most architecturally impressive section of the building is the tower interior. The space is an open shaft surrounded by circular balconies edging the walls and small staircases that lead up to each level. Only the uppermost observation area has a complete floor area covering the circular plan, and large windows overlook the canyon as well as other areas to the southwest.
That evening we boarded a tour bus and traveled along the south rim heading west with several view stops along the way
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| Our very entertaining guide jumped into the picture |
Our destination was Hermits Rest for our very spectacular sunset view
Back to the Bright Angel Lodge for Dinner and a visit to the History Room
Breakfast and a tour of the El Tovar Hotel and Grand Canyon Village
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| Excellent Breakfast |
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| Hotel Interior |
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| Our Guide |
The El Tovar Hotel was opened in 1905 as one of the Fred Harvey Hotels associated with the railway. It is right at the Depot. It is one of the Harvey House facilities that is still in operation. The style of architecture later became known as National Park Service Rustic.
As we walked through Grand Canyon Village, we learned about the history of the park, the history of the area, the people who inhabited the area, the wildlife and birds, and much more as we took in more spectacular views.
Bright Angel Trail and the Mules
The pack mules go down to the Phantom Ranch every other day carrying supplies down and return every other day with trash etc.
Back on the shuttle bus to the campground and our evening member meal.
Where we were treated to another spectacular sunset
Day 3 was an on your own day. Members visited the various visitor centers, watched movies about the Grand Canyon, went to the Imax near the south entrance, attended ranger programs, walked on the walking paths and enjoyed more views of the canyon at the various view areas.
Our adventure was coming to an end and we were all preparing for our departure the following day.
At the Thunderbird Lodge we enjoyed an excellent final dinner in our own private room with another great view.
And a final Thank You for an excellent adventure to our leaders Joe and Bonnie Grisillo and Diane and Charles Lemley
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| Bonnie and Joe |
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| Charles and Diane |
But wait.......Its not over yet!!!!
Before departure breakfast of French Toast by Bonnie
And joined by frequent guests at our campsites
HAPPY TRAILS TO ALL!!!!!!
