Flagstaff
Blog 384: Wandering Williams II
National Forests
The longer we stayed in the Williams area, the better we liked it. From our campground we were no longer than five minutes in any direction until we entered into the hills, mountains, trees, grasses, and wildflowers of the Kaibab National Forest. Our Arizona Road and Recreation Atlas is starting to get dog-eared from all the backcountry exploration we have taken.
We have strolled around Cataract Lake, checked out Kaibab Lake, hiked around Dogtown Lake, and then hiked Bill Williams Mountain Trail, the Buckskinner Park Trail, and a few more. We explored the area of Frenchy Hill and had to turn around before reaching Hearst Mountain.
On one journey we were quite surprised as we ran across a few hundred sheep being herded across our Forest Road by three Great Pyrenees.
Here is a good-looking Jack Rabbit who stood so still he was almost invisible.
A couple of times early in the morning we walked downtown Williams. Here is Deputy Toby with the town’s sheriff.
Just as Kabab National Forest surrounds William, Coconino National Forest surrounds Flagstaff. We drove the 40 miles east to Flagstaff a couple of times and had the chance to explore some of this country as well.
National Monuments
Just about 20 miles north of Flagstaff, we visited Wupatki National Monument on a stormy day, just perfect for taking photos of the ruins and absorbing the bold landscape.
I think the mood was best captured, though, by Janny’s shot of the landscape.
On the southeast edge of Flagstaff, we walked the rim of another National Monument, Walnut Canyon.
Grand Canyon Railway
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, when we were staying at the Raptor Ranch, we visited the Grand Canyon twice, both times to take in the sunrises. Not many people there early and, of course, vistas to die for.
However, the Williams-located Grand Canyon Railroad has quite a reputation—these folks know how to deliver a great experience. So, we decided to take their journey. Here was our schedule:
8:45 a.m. - We dropped the Pups off at Grand Canyon Railway Kennel. Those of you who know us well know that we don’t make a decision putting the Pups into others care lightly. We checked them out before committing to the trip and felt this was a good decision.
8:55 a.m. - We picked up our tickets.
9:00 a.m. - We walked the five minutes to watch the Cataract Gang shoot-out. Nasty hombres.
9:15 a.m. - We boarded the train for the 60-mile, two-hour journey.
9:30 a.m. - Departure
We enjoyed our trip to the Canyon in the Luxury Dome Adult car, where one of the tour guides gave out information, often in a humorous way, and a quite talented troubadour strolled the aisle while strumming his guitar. People were in good moods and a few cocktails lightened up the atmosphere even more. We spotted these horses.
11:30 a.m. - We arrived at the Grand Canyon Station, walked the 70 steps up to the Rim and had a chance to view the Canyon from a different location than our last visit. The weather was stormy with occasional showers and a bolt of lightning every now and then. Nice photo opportunities.
We had a very nice fish-and-chips lunch, complemented by a Tower IPA and wine at the Fred Harvey Burger restaurant. Here is a canyon photo I painted electronically.
3:15 p.m. - Departure. We walked down the 70 steps at 3:05 p.m. to board the train for our return back to Williams. This time we sat in the last car of the train, the Parlor Adult. They started us off with a champagne toast. Nice bunch of people on our return, and soon we were all best buddies. It was really nice as we could step outside on the back platform to view and take photos. Alas, the Cataract Gang boarded our train home in an attempt to rob the passengers, but luckily no money was taken or lives lost).
5:45 p.mp - We arrived back in Williams on time, took the five-minute walk to our car, drove a couple minutes to the kennel and picked up the Pups who seemed in excellent spirits.
Highly recommended. https://www.thetrain.com
After all the excitement, it is always nice to relax at the homestead, reflect on the past day, and plan future outings.
On to a new location!