Escape, Day 4

The morning of the 4th day of our escape, we got up bright and early and drove over to and then spent an enjoyable day at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. My parents had taken my younger sister, nephew, and I to the Grand Canyon on a family trip when we were younger but this was J-rod's first visit (and of course the first for our kids.)

We started out our visit by taking in the Grand Canyon IMAX movie. This allowed us to see some breath taking views and learn some of the history of the many explorations of the Canyon throughout time as we know it.

At the beginning of our trail

Taking a break in a beautiful tree

Throughout the day we enjoyed a leisurely pace along the rim trail as we took in the amazing views, and of course took many, many, many pictures. After walking along the first half of the trail, we stopped for a very delicious lunch at the restaurant in the historic El Tovar Hotel located right on the rim of the Canyon. Here is where I had the tastiest Navajo taco I've EVER eaten and a very unique dessert: a chocolate taco shell with a very smooth strawberry-chocolate mousse filling...yum-o!

Half-way through our day

As we continued on the trail after lunch, we got an experience of a lifetime. Part-way along the rim we stopped at the Lookout Studio, a stone building constructed in 1914 that now serves as an observation station (and gift shop) with outdoor terraces that over look the Canyon.

While taking in the views from the terraces, we got to watch as a group of Condors flew overhead and then landed below us and perched themselves on the Canyon walls and in the trees. It was absolutely amazing to watch these enormous birds take off in flight, soar right before us, and then glide down to feed their young. We had such a great view of the Condors that we were even able to clearly see the numbers each bird has been tagged with! This was truly one of those experiences we won't forget as the years march on.

Condor #33 stops to rest

#80-in flight

What a wonderful day!