Grand Canyon (Yavapai Lodge & El Tovar Hotel) Arizona
Wel...It's me, Alien.
Great nature.
Alien finished seeing Anterople Canyon and Hourse Shoe Bent. Alien then headed to Grand Canyon!
Alien drives this rent-a-car well now.
Alien stopped at several viewpoints on the way to Grand Canyon.
Fun drive.
It was a two-hour drive from Page. Alien got to Grand Canyon National Park!
Alien paied the entrance fee and drove into the park.
Alien drove another 30-minute in the park. What a large park.
Yavapai lodge.
Alien checked in! Let's to go Alien's room.
Like a motel.
In a guest room.
Enough space.
$158 per night is a bit pricely for off-season, but Alien was quite happy to stay in the national park.
Well, it's already dinner time. Let's eat.
Alien came to a cafeteria in Yavapai lodge.
Guests can order with a touch-panel, in 7 different languages. Wow this place welcomes guests across the world.
They display a number when foods are ready. Guests will pick their foods up. Your number is on your recipet.
Alien's choice 1.
Rosisserie chicken, baked poteto on side. Alien also ordered a side salad.
Alien didn't expect much because this place was like a food court, but the chicken was finely spiced and yum yum.
Alien's choice 2. Half pork rib, seasonal vegs on side.
This was yum yum too.
Alien got back to the room and planned for the next day.
Alien don't want to miss either sunrise or sunset.
Alien recommend to make plans in advance. There are many viewpoints, and they are separated each other.
In the next morning, Alien got up before sun rose.
Let's go to see sunrise!
Alien arrived at Mather point.
It was dark and only few people were there. Alien got a nice space.
The sunlights gradually changed colors of the canyon and the sky. Breath-taking.
The sunlights emphasize shadows on the cliffs. Beautiful contrast of lights and shadow.
Wow what a great view.
Pano.
There are trails between viewpoints.
The sun is up. Let's take a walk.
Alien found a telescope.
Well..Ah...Okay...
It points to rocks with unique shapes.
Alien left Mather point and walked to Yavapai point.
Yavapai point has an observation station.
Safe place, protected by a window.
Alien leaerned the history of Grand Canyon in the observation station.
The deep cliffs were generated not by earthquake but errosions.
Study time.
The deepest layer was generated over 2 billion years ago.
It is way beyond Alien's imagination.
Let's go to Hopi point next.
A view from Hopi point.
A different view from a different angle.
Alien found a lovely hotel.
El Tovar hotel. It was established in 1905.
Let's get in.
Alien found a restaurant in the hotel.
Let's have lunch there.
It was lunch time and the restaurant was a bit busy. Alien received a buzzer at the entrance.
Let's look around the hotel till Alien's table gets ready.
Ah.
Ms. Raindeer and Mr. Moose are hard workers.
At second floor.
Alien's buzzer is beeping.
Let's go!
Let's look at the menu first.
The hotel is authentic but the prices at this restaurant are reasonable.
Avocado burger, $12.
This was a very ordinal burger. The pate was a bit dried.
The side fruits were yum.
This is Penne Pasta with Pesto Alfredo, $11.70
It tasted like a cremey genovese source. Yum yum.
They have a ginger bread house.
They have a nice selection of desserts. Alien didn't have time to try though.
Alien drove to Desert Viewpoint located eastside of the Grand Canyon to see sunset.
Time for sunset.
The tower imitates a Native American's house.
Let's go to a nice viewing spot.
Very bright.
Sunset.
The crowds are taking on the glow of the evening sun. Beautiful layers of purple, orange, and light pink.
Oops, a sudden gust of wind!
A safety rope did save Alien's life!
Yavapai Lodge:
http://www.visitgrandcanyon.com/yavapai-lodge
El Tovar Dining Room:
http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/dining/el-tovar-dining-room-and-lounge/
K.
