Leaving Sun Valley for New Heights
As we left our RV Park in Sun Valley, AZ, on October 28, 2017, we were excited to get to our next stop—Williams, AZ, where we would access the Grand Canyon!
We had made reservations for our stay at The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park and for the train ride to the South Rim of the Canyon.
The distance we traveled that day was only 133 miles, which is a short trip for an RV. We started in Sun Valley, which is about 5,000 feet above sea level. We passed through Flagstaff, AZ, which is at about 7,000 feet. And, our destination, Williams, is about 6,000 feet. The inclines and declines were more gradual than I expected.
The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park and Hotel
As you might expect, the Grand Canyon is such a big attraction in this state that a lot of tourist shops and accommodations are available to those who are willing to pay. We were able to stay in the RV Park at a discounted rate (off season), with our membership in Passport America.
The RV Park was fully paved with asphalt. All of the buildings, hook-ups, and facilities were first class. I even had to get a newer cable to connect with their satellite TV reception. That was the best TV connection we had in all our travels!
The train ride to see the Grand Canyon was a bit pricey, by our conservative standards. However, this was a big item on our Bucket List! So, we went all out and reserved seats on a Bubble Car, where we could sit on a higher level and see through curved windows that increased our line and distance for viewing!
Arrive, Prepare, Explore
We arrived early afternoon. After checking in, we went to the Railway Station to get our tickets for our trip to the Canyon, on the following day. The Station had shops and plenty of folks to answer our questions.
We were pleased to find out that we could use the Hotel pool and hot tub, which we did after a light lunch.
As evening came, we went to the nearby main street of Williams, which happened to be the Old Route 66 Highway! We had dinner at a nice family-style café called, “Pine Country Restaurant”. They had good food and plenty of it! We had leftovers for later.
Grand Canyon Day!
Like every group event, there was a schedule to keep, to be at the train on time. This event, however, started with the passengers meeting some cowboys at an outdoor “western set”, complete with bench seating. We were entertained with a skit, including four cowboys and two live horses. Then, we loaded the train, “All aboard for the Grand Canyon!”
We boarded our Bubble Car, with seating in the upper deck. After a speech by our conductor regarding our pending trip, we were treated to snacks and drinks on the ride up to the Canyon.
We were in a good position to see both sides and the front and rear of the train. The terrain was mostly wooded, with an occasional sighting of wildlife or local residents.
We arrived at the South Rim just below the Hotel El Tovar and the Hopi House, at 11:45 a.m.—on schedule. We had to walk up a hill to get to where we could see the Canyon.
Then…we saw it and we knew why it was named The Grand Canyon! Not unlike the view from a high mountain, but, in reverse. This was one huge valley that went on for hundreds of miles! And, the drop is mostly sheer for hundreds of feet. It makes me wonder if a large herd of buffalo could stop in time during a stampede, when the hole appears so suddenly!
Again, We Had a Schedule!
As we departed the train, we were told to be back in three hours—by 3 p.m., if we wanted a ride back to camp. Otherwise, it might get pretty cold that night, waiting for the next train.
We had a quick lunch on our way to a bus stop to take a bus to a few designated spots for viewing and taking pictures. Of course, I took hundreds of pictures and some video, too!
Our stops included Powell Point, which jutted out for a wide range of views. This stop was to recognize the engineer, explorer, Robert Powell, who explored the Canyon and the Colorado River running through it, in the mid-1800’s. I had listened to a book on CD, called The Grand Canyon, where the main character had started out as a member of Powell’s expedition and, later, settled in the area. So, I had some historical fiction background on how this area came to be settled.
We caught the bus going back to where we got on. It was about 2:15 p.m. And, we had about a mile to walk back to the Hotel, which was all uphill! The air was thin. Remember, we were higher than Denver, CO. We had to stop for me to give my aching knees a break and to catch my breath. A nearby shop, the “Bright Angel House”, was a distraction for Connie, while I rested!
We started walking again, about 2:45 p.m. And, we were still about a quarter mile away from the Hotel. We hurried and got to the train on time, including a quick stop to look in the Hotel lobby. There is a lot of history tied to that place.
As we got to the train, I was carrying my jacket and sweating!
The Train Robbery!
We still had some daylight left as we departed for Williams and the RV Park. There was enough light we could see the train being stopped by men on horseback. We were being robbed!
We all had to give up stuff to the robbers! (Later, the goods were recovered!)
After that stressful experience, the conductor gave us all a champagne toast for our bravery and offered some snacks and drinks for our ride back.
Back to Camp—But, No Campfire
We arrived back at the Station, by the RV Park, just as the sun was going below the horizon, about 5:45 p.m.—right on schedule!
Out walk back to the park, passing by the Hotel, was adorned with Christmas lights. They have seasonal rides to the South Rim.
We were too tired to try the pool again. Our evening was enhanced by the fact that the Chiefs were playing on Monday Night Football, which we were able to see on ESPN. They won 29 to 19, over the Broncos!
We stayed up to watch “Scorpion”, as well.
And, There Was More…
My tongue is tired from telling such a long tale. However, there was more to our stay at Williams, AZ. That included Flagstaff and Sedona. I will have that story in my next post. Until then, safe travels!
Glenn & Connie, It’s a small world, we were in Williams in 2018 and took the train to the Grand Canyon. We ate at the “ Pine Country Restaurant “ the food was great and plenty of it, we took leftovers back to the Holiday Inn Express.😀