Grand Canyon Day 4

We got a special treat to start the day today.  The park Superintendent, Ed, came by to visit us at breakfast time.  His role is similar to a university president, in charge of strategy and the big picture.  Focused on the politics in the federal government and on trying to support the park's mission financially.  He had been the superintendent for several years.  He had been appointed to the position and had not served in the national parks previously.  He had a lot of administrative management and seemed to be doing a pretty good job.  He talked about how the park had had a plan with 47 actions when he arrived.  He narrowed that down to 3 priority areas:  improving relations with the indigenous tribes, adapting park conditions to the changing climate (addressing wild fire hazards, increasing drought, etc), and improving aging infrastructure.  Much of the existing infrastructure dates back to the 1970s and was built with a 25 year life span.  Its now 50 years and they are having trouble with the water pumping station and the water treatment plant, etc.  They had to close the park to visitors for several days last year because there was not enough water to support them.  He stayed for about 30 minutes and answered questions and then had to move on.  He said he liked to get out of the office and try to visit different divisions in the park to better understand the work being done by all the different staff members.  We were honored to get a visit from him. 

After the superintendent's visit, we loaded into the bus and drove out to Desert View on the edge of the park.  

This tower was designed by architect Mary Colter in the 1930s.  It was inspired by the Hopi and Zuni and is filled with Zuni art inside. It is the highest point on the south rim. 

Although the construction looks a little haphazard, every rock and shape is planned, adding extra charm and interest to the building. 

Just across the canyon is the site of a plane crash between two commercial planes in 1956. A United plane and a TWA plane collided at 21,000 ft killing all 128 passengers.  Debris was scattered across the mesa here.  Shortly afterward the FAA was created to regulate flight paths. 

Looking west toward south rim village. 

Looking NE.  I like that you can see the river here. 

The prominent mesa was once a vent for volcanic activity here (long dead now).

The tower is four stories high and covered with Zuni art.  It was recently restored by the grandson of the original artist. 

I liked the angular windows and the view beyond.

Mountains on the horizon (zoomed in view below)

Our education session for the day was on green exercise and wellness.  Then we spent the afternoon hiking. I decided to take the group that wanted to hike the rim instead of going down in the canyon.  We hiked to Maricopa Point and back.  It was fun to look down at Bright Angel trail and see some of our group members on the trail. 

Looking from the lodge toward Maricopa Point

Bright Angel trail coming off the rim.  Total of 7 miles to the river and Phantom Ranch. 

(They only hiked 1.5 miles of it and that was enough)

San Francisco peaks on the horizon (55 miles distant).  Zoomed in picture below.

Bright angel trail near the first rest stop (far left)

Near Maricopa point looking back at the lodge. 

Maricopa view point

At the end of the day I decided to "go rogue".  I dropped my group off at the center and drove out to Hermits Rest to see the sunset.  I saw some elk and some mule deer (they were all over around sunset).