Verde Canyon

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Today we took our trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad. This trip proved to be even better than anticipated! The train runs 20 miles down through the Verde canyon and back. We had 1st class seats (thanks to our timeshare presentation yesterday), which included champagne, lunch and comfy couches in the 1st class coach. We also had the use of an outdoor coach complete with guide.



The pictures don't do the trip justice. The scenery was spectacular!



Terry our guide (a retired Tuscon cop) got Chris a sample of Prickly Pear syrup after we asked him how they got it from the Nopolito Cactus. He was amazingly informative over the course of the whole trip.



We passed an old Sinagua dwelling that was used somewhere between 1100 - 1400 AD.


The railroad ran beside the Verde River for most of the trip.


The fall colours were starting to come on.




At one point the train had to stop for three wild donkeys that were standing on the track!
You can see one of them here.


These shots don't capture the vibrant colours that we saw.




A shot of Chris just before entering the 680 foot tunnel. Keep your hands in dear!....You could have easily touched the wall.


At the end of the line the 2 FP7 Diesels (only 2 of 12 still operating), disconnected the train and hooked on to the other end for the return trip.




Back in our 1st class accommodations.


If you're ever in this area, this trip is a must. Just a fabulous way to spend a day!
More info here Verde Canyon Railroad

No comments: