Our family spent a day in the Grand Canyon last week, and my husband Paul took some beautiful photos.
We stopped first at the closest, and by far most popular, put-out spot, Mather Point, for a rather Griswold-like experience full of foreign tourists with selfie-sticks. But their commercialism and noise didn't dim the beauty of this natural wonder.
Then we walked part of the Rim trail into the village for lunch. Note: If you want a mid-day meal at El Tovar, don't wait too late. Lunch ends at 2:00 and the restaurant doesn't open again for dinner until 5:30.
We stopped first at the closest, and by far most popular, put-out spot, Mather Point, for a rather Griswold-like experience full of foreign tourists with selfie-sticks. But their commercialism and noise didn't dim the beauty of this natural wonder.
Then we walked part of the Rim trail into the village for lunch. Note: If you want a mid-day meal at El Tovar, don't wait too late. Lunch ends at 2:00 and the restaurant doesn't open again for dinner until 5:30.
The Canyon was snowy, so we headed out to the Desert View to explore the Watchtower. Although it looks like an ancient Hopi kiva, it was actually built by architect Mary Colter in 1932, with native weathered rocks to fit in with the desert landscape.
Most people left when the watchtower closed, but we stayed to see the sunset, and it was worth the wait. Isn't Paul's photo gorgeous?
I think we'll return to the Canyon next fall for something that's been on my bucket list for a decade—the mule ride to the canyon floor and an overnight at Phantom Ranch. The Aspens will be turning and the crowds are less oppressive after school starts. Yes, the mules are smelly and the ride can be dusty, but I'm an old horsewoman from way back. And the views should be amazing. The mules take the outside of the trail, the hikers hug the inside when they pass
What do you think? Would you join me?
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