Gretchen's Blog

We took the train from Willaims, AZ to the Grand Canyon. It started with a short Western show on the train ramp, complete with horses and fake gun shootouts. Hokie, yes, but A really liked it. The scenery on the trip was great, A and I spent the majority of our time, walking back and forth to the café’ car where we purchased Gummi Bears and Cheetos the first time and popcorn the second.

What can I say about the Grand Canyon that hasn’t been said or photographed? It was awesome. Our room was at the Thunderbird Lodge on the Rim with a “partial view” of the Grand Canyon. The full view must have been the floor above us. How cool is that to open the curtains in the morning to see the Grand Canyon.

We took in a couple of Ranger Programs, the best for A and I was the Condor talk. As the Ranger was talking, several birds started to fly overhead. It was one of those moments that take your breath away. A and I wrangled for the camera to take a couple of photos.

We also managed to get in a couple of short hikes and hiked part way down the Bright Angel Trail. I think A would have gone all the way down without thinking about how she would get back. 10 years ago I would have ……..

We returned on the train, this time complete with a Banjo player and a train robbery. A hid herself under her Strawberry Shortcake blanket. The Robbers kinda figured out where she was hiding.

After the train ride back, we headed for Kingman,AZ to get an early start on our trek back to Bakersfield.

A great first road trip….sigh.