The Grand Canyon

A Happy Camper

My three-day stay at The Grand Canyon RV Park and Hotel was a most memorable experience as you can imagine. It seems everyone has been to this natural spectacle at least once in their lives. Maybe in the comments below, some folks my share what they came away with in terms of memories. My stay consisted of two parts, both of which were planned for and booked last November...not that I feared a lack of availability; rather, preferring to have everything written in stone before venturing out across this great country of ours. So far, so good. I'm beginning my third month on the road, the time is flying and what lies ahead is no less exciting to anticipate. 

The campground itself was plowed clean but the snow mounds on either side of my RV did not warrant yet another shot of Winnie surrounded by snow. When I was set up at my site, I had a shuttle from the hotel transport me to the railroad depot to obtain my tickets for the next day's excursion; three in all. One each for the 65-mile round trip train ride from Williams to the South Rim and the third for the narrated bus tour along the South Rim. Saturday, a shuttle came by my site to once again transport me to the boarding platform.

While waiting to board at 9:15 am, the crowd was entertained by the Cataract Gang and the Marshall. After robbing a member of the audience with a rigged card game, they were all shot. Had to be tough doing it all in the deep snow stage.

At 9:30, we boarded and off we went.

I chose the option to be in an observation coach with complimentary
snacks and drinks; alcoholic drinks at $7.00 each. In 1901, when it all started,
the fare was $3.00

Given a fond farewell from the Cataract Gang, off we went

I have very few photos of the scenery because this is what it looked like the entire 65 miles.

You walked through the lower level coach area...

...to the stairs leading to the upper domed observation
car where we were greeted by Noel. She has three years experience being a
PSA (Passenger Service Attendant).
George was the conductor, Chuck, the Engineer and
 Kathy, the Fireman, or I guess, the Fireperson.

When the car filled with passengers, she had her work cut of for her.

Her station was right in front of me and the services she provided were terrific.
She was an expert bartender (with good pours) and gave detailed information
about the Grand Canyon Railway's history. She pointed out significant sights along
the way. Making the trip four days a week, she knew her stuff and injected humor as well.

Before disembarking at the rim and boarding the tour bus, we all shared
a complimentary champagne (or a Martinelli's) toast to good health.

I came across this short video which made me chuckle. It's old and done in the best of times (summer). My experience in February was a tad different; cold and lots of snow on the ground. If anyone reading this wants the experience, CHECK IT OUT HERE. 

After the 2-1/2 hour train ride we arrived, crossed the tracks and boarded the waiting tour bus operated by Mona who took us directly to Maswik Lodge for a sack lunch...included in the Grand Tour. I knew I was going to enjoy Mona. Once in the driver's seat she informed the group that she received her license to operate the bus only yesterday...on line.

She then muttered aloud, "Let's see. They told me the
pedal on the right was for..."

Maswik Lodge

The knowledge shared by Mona about the geology, history, weather/climate, and Indian cultures surrounding all aspects of the Grand Canyon boggled my mind. Attentive student that I thought I was, jotting notes for my blog proved to be an exercise in futility. I just couldn't do it. If you're interested, pursue them HERE. How about 100 facts you may not have known? That's HERE.

In an attempt to keep this blog short, I've chosen just a couple of captured photos which impressed even me. 

Snow People of the Canyon.

Like a kid with a new camera witnessing a never-before-seen wonder, I took loads of shots.

Rather than place them all in this blog, I've created a separate page with nothing but
one beautiful (to me) shot after another. CLICK HERE for my photos of the Grand Canyon

Unidentified bird atop one of the pines.

One mile down, at the bottom of the Canyon, along the river is Phantom Ranch.
It takes 4 to 4 1/2 hours to hike to the bottom and close to 5 hours to hike back up.
Click the link to learn its story.

And here in another location deep in the Canyon, one mile away, I was able to capture this clear shot. It is to be remembered that everything taken down into the Canyon for construction and brought out is carried on the backs of mules. Mona's explanations of how this was accomplished, how they're raised and what becomes of them once they're "retired" was awesome. They work 15-20 years and at retirement they're adopted through a rigorous screening process.

My full day was most memorable and the 2-1/2 hour, 65 mile train ride back to Williams was equally relaxing and pleasant. Noel, once again had drinks and snacks waiting for us. We were robbed by the notorious Cataract Gang...

...but captured by the Marshall.

My Canyon Sunset hit the spot after all the walking.
Malibu rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a cherry.   

As seen from the train, Elk...

...the very tall Ponderosa Pine...

...the Peaks from a different angle:
Mt. Humphrey on the left and Mt. Agassiz on the right...

...

...and Red Butte, translated from Havasupai, "Clenched Fist."

Well, that concludes another leg of my terrific journey. Tomorrow, I'm off to Hidden Beaches River Resort in Blythe, California, 4+ hours southwest. There, I'll spend three days to relax with nothing planned other than to catch up and complete blogs. I might even get to enjoy warm weather. I'll see you there.

From Arizona to California

The drive today from Winslow, AZ to Williams, AZ was planned to be purposefully short. After cruising all the corners in Winslow, AZ, looking for that flat-bed Ford with, oh my, a girl turning to look at me and finding none, I continued on my way. As mentioned in a previous blog, my destination would take me up toward the Peaks, the highest point in Arizona.

These are sacred mountains.

I researched and found these were once the fiery center of one of Arizona's most explosive volcanoes, the summits surrounding the now dormant inner core stand guard, protecting land that the native people of Arizona consider to be so sacred it is where earth meets heaven. The Navajo consider them to be the most sacred in all the West and their medicine men use the herbs collected from the mountaintop in healing ceremonies. They view the rising peaks as a holy landmark directing others to this sacred place. The Hopi believe the Kachina spirits live at the top of the mountain, gracefully moving through the clouds from summit to summit. The Kachinas are honored and revered here, in hopes that they will bless the crops below with a quiet rain that will ensure strong growth and healthy lives. The Zuni, Havasupai and Yavapai-Apache also consider these graceful remnants of the volcanic highlands to be sacred and return regularly to pray and honor the spirits that dwell there. The drive had spectacular vistas, each worthy of framing. The highest point in the journey was only 7,000 feet.

About the only way to get to see the extinct volcano. Not even
a hiker would be able to get close enough.

After viewing the world famous impact crater, there was another type of crater to visit; a volcanic crater located just over an hour away on my way west. The Sunset Crater Volcano Monument. This crater is a cinder cone, the result of an eruption about 1085 AD. One of many extinct volcanoes in the region, the lava flows are visible on the drive to the summit. Hiking trails are all over but none will take visitors to the actual summit. Because of damage done by hikers, many paths remain closed. The Sunset Crater eruption produced a blanket of ash and lapilli (small stone like debris that falls back to earth from a volcanic eruption) covering an area of more than (810 sq mi) and forced the temporary abandonment of settlements of the local Sinagua people. There were no reported deaths as it was determined that they knew through tremors or earthquakes that it was time to get outta town. They resettled and reaped the benefits of ash laden soil for their agriculture. As I drove, I captured these signs of the lava flows and debris.

Black stone everywhere and very little vegetation.

One of two slopes totally blackened by the blast debris.

After leaving the Sunset Crater Monument, I proceeded south through Flagstaff toward Sedona, 47 miles along SR 89A. That trip alone was worth another blog.

Talk about paying attention to the road...this 47 mile
route goes from 7,000 feet in elevation in Flagstaff to
4,000 feet in Sedona. Winnie handled it well...and the
return trip back to Flagstaff? The Mercedes engine
was up to the task.

Rte 89A made the "Goat Trail"
look like the Indy Speedway.

Sedona this time of the year was bustling with tourists. I spent some time looking for free parking that would handle the size of Winnie. I was successful and walked into town.

Looking south

Looking north

The painter and the little girl photographing are both sculptures. Listen to the street
entertainer in the background. 

Beautiful surroundings

Korean Lunch today.

Bibimbap:
Fresh seasonal greens, sautéed carrots, Korean radish and Mexican
zucchini over our unique rice blend. Topped with roasted seaweed and
comes with our signature GOCHUJANG sauce medium spicy.

I had to try this. No time to visit its source.

With only one table available indoors, I joined a young lady already seated, Isadora, in her late twenties. Recently from California she’s moved into the Sedona area and is a practitioner of Doula. She explained what she does and how she's found her "dream occupation." She is a support person, (who may not have medical or midwifery training), but provides emotional assistance to a mother or pregnant couple before, during or after childbirth. I observed many of the store fronts in Sedona catered to the natural healing, meditation, crystal/gems/stones philosophies and practitioners. After lunch, I enjoyed a scoop of coconut and a scoop of "Butterme pecan" gelato next door at PussyCat Gelato.

And that was my afternoon in Sedona, AZ. Back up Rte 89A Winnie and I went, continued on I-40 to our next stop, The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, sixty miles further west in Williams, AZ. Desiring to keep this blog short, the next blog will be devoted entirely to the Grand Canyon.

Thanks again for joining me. See you again soon.