The temperature in Tusayan at 6 AM was 31 degrees, so we were not in a hurry to leave our comfy beds. When we were ready to leave the hotel, we heard other tourists speaking several different languages.

On our way to the Grand Canyon, we saw plateaus (extensive raised flat surfaces), mesas (isolated flat topped mountains with a steep side),  buttes (smaller mountains that had steep sides), and spires (slender columns of rock). We entered the  National Park property, using our National Park Pass for Seniors that we had purchased at our previous trip to the Grand Canyon in 2008.

We needed to stop for breakfast. The Yavapai Lodge was quite near the Canyon’s parking lot, and  after eating traditional breakfast fare, we were ready to  enter the Canyon at  the South Rim.

Is a picture worth a thousand words? My words are simply that on a clear day, the Grand Canyon is incredibly, breathtakingly magnificent. Nick’s photos can do it some justice, but in order to appreciate it fully, you must see it in person.

After a visit that touched us all,  we returned to the car and stopped for lunch back at the Yavapai Lodge, where I noticed that the Grand Canyon is a World Heritage site. There are a turn-offs as you are leaving the Canyon,  at which you can get different views. We got back onto the highway, headed to Page, Arizona, and the Lake Powell Canyon Inn.

Within walking distance of the Inn was Tio Tapatio, a Mexican restaurant. The menu was typical, but we noticed two features that were unique. Each table and chair was hand painted differently, and the dinner plates were the largest we had ever seen, and were filled to capacity. I seldom order a drink because I can get tipsy on very little alcohol, but I felt that a Margarita was appropriate. I ordered their “regular” Margarita rather than their “super.” I learned that the regular glass held  16 ounces. Nicholas and Carla were surprised to see their mother giggling so hysterically. As for me, I was glad I hadn’t ordered the super Margarita that held 32 ounces!

I was in bed by 9 P.M.

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