Day 19: Grand Canyon, AZ - Part 2

I left Mr. B today at the Flagstaff campsite and went on a tour to the Grand Canyon. I'm not much for bus-type tours, but I needed a break from driving and the "Big Ditch" was 78 miles away. I figured a van with group of 11 would be manageable. So naive I can still be.
The tour guide was extra chipper (the 64oz soda?) and extra horrible as a driver (the 64oz soda?). As a party of one, I got to sit shotgun and believe me there were times during the drive that I wish a shotgun would have put me out of my misery. She held the microphone portion of her broken headset in her left hand and would more than frequently use her right hand to point. So when she did point, guess how many hands were on the wheel of her speeding vehicle? If the scenery wasn't so compelling, I would have kept my eyes closed.
Despite the adrenaline-filled drive, the views were magnificent. Many of the vistas she took us to were less frequented, but no less beautiful.

This view is from the Yavapai point where the canyon is the widest: 18 miles between the north and south rims! The peak about 1/3 from the right is called Vishnu. To identify the canyon's features, early survey teams used names from different religions because they knew not everyone worshipped the same god. Kinda progressive thought for the late 1800's.

The green butte on the right is Temple Butte. This viewpoint is near the East entrance.

Many of the buildings were designed by Mary Colter during the 1900's-30's. She used materials gathered locally and often had Native American artists decorate the sites. One particular building is the Desert View Tower. Great views from the additional elevation. And this is a mural inside the first floor of the tower.

Sights were seen and the menu Mr. B had for dinner was icing on the cake:

• Shredded brussel sprouts sautéed with pancetta, finished with basaltic vinegar and parmesan cheese.
• Smashed potatoes
• Grilled herb-crusted pork chops
• Ice-colded Bass beer
• S'mores

A grand day of sightseeing and a grand dinner with a grand companion.