Today we visited the Grand Canyon. My first time and something that I have always wanted to do. We were booked on the Grand Canyon Railway that goes from Williams to the Grand Canyon Depot. It is a railway that was opened in 1901 but closed in 1968 through lack of use. it reopened in 1989 to take tourists on the two hour plus, 65 mile trip, up to the Grand Canyon Rim. Gerry and I thought that all we were getting was a return train ride but the journey was a lot more. It was an eye opening experience for us (some good and some a bit hokey for our tastes).

The 'Grand Canyon Railway Experience' attempts to entertain as well as transport its passengers. It started off with a cowboy 'shoot out' at the end of the Williams Station. During the outbound trip, a buffet breakfast was provided. We had seats upstairs in the observation car that gave great views throughout the journey. There were also two musicians on the train who performed during the trip. On the return journey, after champagne was served, the train was 'held up' by outlaws (the same guys from the shoot out, brought back to life). They boarded the train and robbed the passengers. The train company staff worked very hard to make the trip memorable, and it certainly was.

So a great day - oh almost forgot! We did see the Grand Canyon. I'm kidding, of course. I defy anyone to see the Grand Canyon and not be awe struck. There aren't many people who could do justice in words to this amazing place and I'm certainly not one of them. What I can say is that if you give Mother Nature enough time and the raw materials, she will deliver humungously. It is a place that I would have loved to explore further if time had permitted. We did have time to eat a very good lunch at the famous El Tovar hotel.

There was icing on the cake while we were at the Grand Canyon Rim. There was a demonstration of Native American song, music and dance given by Navajo Indians. It was the last of only a few day of performance and was done with great dignity and prowess. We were privileged to witness it.

Wiliams is on Route 66 and in the evening, Gerry and I ate at an authentic traditional Route 66 Diner. The food was very good but following the style of the period when Route 66 was at its height, the food portion sizes were huge. I had to admit defeat having eaten less than half of the meal!

Cheers for now.