The journey for Mike and his buddy Will starts in Williams, Arizona. This is a town of 3,000 on Route 66 that seems like a piece of America frozen in time. The town combines the nostalgia of the Old West with 1950’s America. They’re about to board the Grand Canyon Railway. It is a 64-mile-long railroad built in 1901, and now part of the National Registry of Historic Places. Before it was built, the only way to get to the Grand Canyon was by horse and wagon. They get a feel for those frontier days by taking in a gunslinger show. It showcases some desperados comically apprehended by the sheriff. But Mike wonders if he’s really seen the last of them . . . The guys upgrade their tickets to luxury class and it’s totally worth it! They ride in a dome car with uber comfortable reclining seats and curved windows that provide a 360 degree view. Downstairs is a spacious bar and lounge with vintage furnishings. It give them a place to socialize with other passengers and relax. They also have access to an outdoor deck at the end of the train. Imagine Presidents of a bygone era making campaign speeches from just such a platform.
The Grand Canyon Trip
The trip takes a little over two hours. As they get closer, the landscape changes drastically. Going from barren plains to scrublands to rocky forested highlands in the Kaibab National Forest. Finally they arrive at the Grand Canyon Depot on the south rim. One of only 3 remaining wooden train depots left in the United States. The Grand Canyon itself defies description, and no picture or video can truly do it justice. At a mile deep, 18 miles wide, and 270 miles long, its sheer size is stunning. Not to mention, the varied rock layers and the way its colors morph as the angle of the sun changes during the day. It’s no wonder even a tough guy like Will would get emotional about this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It all goes to prove to Mike, “These trains can create some of the best friends and memories. Life is better with friends.” On the way back they ride an old-style Pullman car. Thinking the most exciting part of the trip is over, Will falls asleep. But remember those outlaws from Williams? Yeah. They escaped! The desperados chase down the train on horseback and board the train. They begin to walk down the aisle and relieve delighted tourists of dollar-bill tips. It all goes to show, life can get pretty interesting when you’re open to new experiences. Ready for your trip?
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The trip takes a little over two hours. What’s it like to ride in the train? They ride in a dome car with uber comfortable reclining seats and curved windows that provide a 360 degree view. Downstairs is a spacious bar and lounge with vintage furnishings. It give them a place to socialize with other passengers and relax. They also have access to an outdoor deck at the end of the train. Imagine Presidents of a bygone era making campaign speeches from just such a platform.
