So, we went back to the lodge, played cards, ate chocolate and waited until it was closer to dinner time. That was the plan, given the crappy weather. Just about two hours before it was time to sit down and eat, we walked out in coats and hats to see if there was any visible natural splendor. Timing is everything. We walked up on a canyon whose clouds were clearing in front of our eyes. The sun started hitting the canyon walls in large patches, and everything was gorgeous. Sure, it periodically started raining a little, here and there, but wow, what an experience. I know all those years ago, I visited on a sunny afternoon, and I suspect most art and photos are from sunny days, but watching the clouds disperse is kind of special.
We popped into a gift shop for a particularly cold and rainy moment and purchased our obligatory refrigerator magnet. We document our travels in magnets, and this trip deserves no less. That put us in the lobby of the El Tovar hotel about a half hour early for our 6:30 reservation. We wandered, looked around, stole a few glances at the canyon and checked in for our table. They actually seated us a little early, and we had the most amazing meal. Our table was oriented so we faced a stone fireplace and a canyon-view window, which we both enjoyed until after the sun went down. Evidently, Teddy Roosevelt loved the El Tovar when he would visit the Grand Canyon, marking the second spring break where we sat in a Teddy-approved establishment. Our first Teddy Roosevelt close encounter was at the Menger Bar in San Antonio, where he recruited Rough Riders. Two Teddy haunts- what are the odds? We need to figure out where else Teddy liked to go- we seem to have some tastes in common with old Ted.
At the El Tovar, we had their legendary French Onion soup, we split the enormous ribeye and we shared a flourless chocolate cake with a scoop of raspberry sorbet. For extra fun, we started with a glass of Lambrusco, which we hadn’t had since our Italy trip, then followed it with a glass of Grand Canyon Cabernet. Wow. Just wow. It was nothing short of spectacular. I can still taste the chocolate cake as I sit in the room and type these words.
When we paid the check, we made our way to the free shuttle stop, and we happened to walk right up to the stop right as the correct bus arrived, so we’re back to the safe, warm and wind-less space where we will call it a night. It’s only 8:30 here, but it’s 10:30 at home, and we’re thinking of trying to see a sunrise (weather permitting) in the morning.
Today was great, though it had a bit of a rough start. Act II really erased any hard feelings we may have had from Act I. (And there weren’t many!) Tomorrow, we have a good weather forecast and a full morning to tool around until it’s time to take the train back to Williams. What a great experience so far. I am glad we had the day we did- it was certainly memorable, and I think it ended perfectly. If you’re ever around this area, get yourself a reservation for the EL Tovar, though. It’s reservation only, and the food is oh-my-gosh good.
Anyhow, it’s time to pack it in for the night. Here, again, are our photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4BZaPckogdVf4gtX7
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