OUT WEST ADVENTURES Southern rim of the Grand Canyon

Another nice big breakfast to fortify us for the start of a big day.  Half hour drive to the park.  We're able to park near the visitor's center where we caught a shuttle to the village.  Here we start a leisurely hike along the rim of the canyon.  The Look out studio is another of Mary Colter's designs and is deftly worked into the  natural surroundings.  Of course, the vistas are expansive and photos can't capture the extent and distances.   The path along the rim is remarkably free of people.  We meet a few people, a few people pass us along the path but most of the time we're alone with nature and the vastness.

We find a shady spot where we can all perch for lunch. Having such fabulous views to enjoy while eating our lunch is wonderful.   

We have some carrots.  Anyone want carrots?

 Sometimes the beauty is large and vast and sometimes it is small and close.

We take a shuttle out to Hermit's Nest which was also designed by Mary Colter.  Hmmm. Don't seem to have a picture of that. 

Our dinner reservations at El Tovar are for 5:30.  Myra, Betsy, Nick and I decided that we have time to hike part way down Bright Angel Trail before dinner.  

Even though we're rather grungy after a day of walking and hiking, they honor our reservations in the historic dining room of El Tovar lodge.  The first thing I see on the menu is chicken with a mushroom sauce served over angel hair pasta.  I really don't need to read any further down on the menu.  I do and still come back to the chicken.  Several of us ended up ordering that and  were totally satisfied.  

Well, I took a picture of the beautiful place setting but once the food came, I just dug right in.

 These were in the entry of the hotel.

 After dinner, we caught a shuttle to the visitor's center and Mather Point.  The shuttle took quite awhile and the sun was just setting when we arrived out at the point.

When we got back to the house, the stars were out.