At 4:30 PM, we pulled into the parking lot at Mather Point in the Grand Cyn. We knew we had really arrived -- a huge elk (real, not Disney real!) was just a few steps from where the bus was stopped. After a bathroom break, we got ready for our first view of the canyon. (My husband, son and I had not seen it before.) If you've read any of the prior trip reports, you know that the
ABD guides have their own special process for this first viewing. Diana and Peyton lined us up, asking that we keep our eyes on our feet, and then they slowly led us over to the railing. How they found enough railing at this time of the day in a crowded park for 39 people is just another example of Disney magic!) Then, 3--2--1--look!
Wow. Big but somehow not as impressive as the dramatic red rocks against the bright blue sky that we left behind in Sedona. In fact, it looked so much like a movie backdrop. (Foreshadowing -- afternoon light is really flat. The GC was much more impressive viewed in early morning or early evening light, which thanks to our accommodations right on the Rim, we had a chance to experience.)
Next stop -- Thunderbird Lodge! Ok, I have read a lot about this hotel. That it is basically a motel. I didn't care. The reason I chose ABD over any other company is that they are the only ones that stay right in the canyon. I was all about staying on the Rim -- and I was right!
Room was fine. For a fairly old hotel that hadn't been updated, everything seemed clean, fresh and in good repair. AC worked fine AND, we had a view of the canyon right from our window. I was pretty much in heaven. We had an hour or two to relax before dinner.
When we emerged from our room later, the light in the canyon had changed -- showing off much more dimension in the rocks -- it was much more beautiful.
Dinner that night was upstairs in a meeting room in the T'bird Lodge. Buffet food was adequate. Entertainment and cultural information was provided by two Native American dancers. They were interesting -- especially regarding the Navajo Codetalkers from WW II -- and the dancing was fun to watch.
After, my husband and I walked along the rim. The sky was beautiful -- a deep, dark blue.
We met up with our son back at the room. Comfy bed and pillows and an early night since we were planning for another 4:30 wake up -- sunrise in the GC!