It could be said that the last area of the wild west is Arizona, the last territory on the mainland to join the Union. Originally designated by Abraham Lincoln as a territory and then admitted as the 48th State in 1912, Arizona is a relatively young State, yet full of natural and human history. It's late-coming was due in part to its wildness of both land and people. Much folklore existent speaks of its colorful transplants, indigenous tribes and its grandeur. Watch out, it still can be will. We were just taking a leasurely train ride and look what we were faced with--a hold up!
Our February family venture to the Grand Canyon started in Williams, a small town west of Flagstaff and a little over an hour's drive north of Prescott. The wild west show abounded with rough characters, a lawmen and the legendary shootout. It was a crisp sunny morning but the reenactment was full of interest and action. We were all warmed up with the action of conflict and gunfights and dirty card dealings. It was great entertainment whatever your age, all staged prior to our train ride to the Grand Canyon. There were ten of us in all - Floyd topped off the age bracket at nearly 89 and Xander and August brought up the bottom with the rare ages of two.
The gunmen were no match for the town marshal
The train trip and all the extras cost each of us just $18.00 for the full day of adventure, a real bargain gained by a one-day special rate on President's day commemorating the trains early history on the "18th" of the month. Normally the price per-person is $75.00. For those not privelged by age or military service there is also a fee to enter the national park.
Below, two of our daughters, Kristin and Sarah, pose with their four young children and an unnamed actor and his trusty horse. The upcoming train ride presented as much interest as did the gun slinger and his horse.
The train trip also included live music in each train car. To our surprise we discovered that the train company is the only employer in Northern Arizona that employs musicians full-time.
Now for what, no doubt, you have been waiting for- pictures of the Grand Canyon! We spend only a few hours on the south rim edge, but I hope it will not be my last trip, but the first of many to come.
(Reminder, when viewing on the blog site, right click on the picture of your choice and click on open new window. You will see a larger sized picture)
Dad Floyd with his youngest son, Kevin
It is a small world! Hearing of the great bargain rate, our next door neighbors also took the train ride. We caught up with them at the Lookout house. Kirby and Brenda are great neighbors and they are becoming friends also.
Three generations on the edge.
Louise and Kevin enjoying the moment
The Grand Canyon with its many colors
Just looking at this scene makes me want to go back soon
On our trip back to Williams we caught a good view of the San Franciso Peaks just north of Flagstaff. Scientist believe this mountain was up to 3,000 feet higher a mere one thousand years ago when it blew its top off resulting in over 200 square miles of volcanic flow and ash. Also, on our way back on the train we saw antelope and two female elk. We ended our day eating at a small intimate Italian eatery in the old downtown of Williams.
Thanks for going on the trip with us. See you next time!
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