The Grandest Canyon of Them All!

We stayed two nights in Williams, AZ because we wanted to take the train to the Grand Canyon from Williams--a two-hour and 15-minute ride one-way.  We stayed at the Grand Canyon RV Park that is across the street from the railway station.  They also have a hotel, pool, kids play area, and (this is extremely important) a kennel for Sadie!  Yup!  This hotel is thinkin' things through by offering a kennel so you can take the train (which takes most of the day) to the Grand Canyon and enjoy it without thinking about your pet.  Sadie wouldn't last that long (as most dogs wouldn't) in the RV without a potty time.  Not to mention she has separation anxiety disorder that means the second we leave her alone she is stressed out.  This kennel gave us the freedom to take a whole day trip and not worry about her at all.

It was a beautiful day and we took the second (and last) train leaving the station.  There were a few wildlife sightings on the trip--antelope, deer, and a wild boar.  They were fleeting glimpses because once they heard/felt the train, they quickly scampered out of range.  Here are a couple of pictures of the scenery on the way to the Grand Canyon and a shot of our train as it rounded a sharp turn.

We got to the Canyon and walked across to the hotel and restaurant.  The first photo below is of the train station at the Grand Canyon.  From here you walk up to the hotel and restaurant.

 

Also at the rim is the Hopi House (below).  We didn't go in--neither of us were too interested in it. 

 

Before lunch at the restaurant, we captured a few fast photos of the canyon's south rim. It was a beautiful day for the canyon.  Lightly clouded skies.  Nice and temperate.  Not too crowded.  Just perfect!

 

After lunch we strolled along the rim trail.  We didn't go too far because we had to be back on time to catch the return train ... and they wait for NO man!

 

My gang-banger husband:)

 

Here is a video of the Grand Canyon.  Reminder:  The possibility exists you may only be able to view it by going to the website.  Simply click on the blog title and it will take you there.

 

Once we got back to the hotel we bought a few grandkid gifts for Christmas (thinking ahead!) and then sat on the front porch rockers until it was time to head back to the depot to catch the train home.

 

El Tovar, the hotel & restaurant

 

It was a bit of a wait to get a rocker.  As you can see, they are very popular!

 

 

God was good, and we jumped onto two rockers facing towards the Grand Canyon rim.  This is our rocker view.  Not too shabby, huh?

 

The return trip held a special surprise.  The train was stopped by robbers who jumped on the train.  We all had to fork over some moola to get them on their way!

 

Chasing the train.

Getting ready to board the train.

Entering our car to collect the cash.

 

And here's the sheriff, trying to locate the thieves so he can arrest them.

It was a fun respite from a long, otherwise uneventful, ride back to the Williams Train Depot.

 

This picture was taken of us on the train.  We fell for the "package" deal.  Really didn't want the whole package, but the pricing lent itself to buying.  We weren't the only suckers that day, though, if it makes you (or us) feel any better!

Back at the train depot in Williams, they have this train on display.  They also do some "fun" train rides like the Christmas Express.  All-in-all, it was a fun way to go to the Grand Canyon since we only had one day.  You get about 3-1/2 hours at the rim, but honestly, you don't need much more than that unless you want to hike further on the rim than we did. 

What else is on my bucket list?  Inquiring minds want to know ... I know!  Well, I want to take either a mule or horse ride down to the bottom of the canyon.  That's for some other time, though.  But it is on my list.

Psalms 78:15-16 //  He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths.  He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers.