Forty Grand

Today was a big day. Lots of things to celbrate: Valentine's Day, my 40th birthday, and our first Grand Canyon visit.

Valentine's Day was taken care of on the account that I made arrangements weeks ago. Sarah's valentine was waiting for her in the room when we checked in yesterday. A Teddy bear, some velvet flowers, and some chocolates. I am so smooth.

My birthday started by sleeping in and the a card and a gift from Sarah. She then gave me a gift from Richard, a leather bound edition if The Hobbit. Years ago he gave me a leather bound edition of The Lord of the Rings, so this was very cool. Thanks Richard.

We made our way out to the park by noon. We started with the popular and crowded Mather Point. From there we walked to Yaki Point. All of the views were nice but at Yaki Point we were more isolated. We were able to get right out on the rim and get a wonderful panoramic view. We returned to the hotel around 3p to rest up before we returned for a sunset view and dinner in the rim.

At 5p we were back and we walked from a point near the Bright Angel Trailhead to a point right behind the El Tovar Hotel. From there we faced northeast and watched the walls of the canyon turn pink and red while the sun dropped toward te horizon behind us. I was able to get a lot of photos, and even posted on my facebook from my phone.

A little after 6p we went into the El Tovar for dinner. The El Tovar is a 100+ year old lodge/hotel and restaurant. It really is a grand old rustic hotel. The food was very nice and the service amazing.

We enjoyed dinner and desert and finished up around 8p. We did have a bit of an adventure finding our car afterwards. It took us 30 minutes wandering around in the dark before we found our way back to the car. It should have taken us 10 minutes, but we managed to get turned around and lost. We got back to our hotel safe and sound by around 9p.

Tomorrow we take a helicopter trip over the canyon at 11a. We are also planning to hike a short way on the South Kaibab Trail. It will take us about 600 feet into the canyon and we should get some near 360 degree views.

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