Echoes of the Southwest

This is my second time staying in the historic town of Williams in Arizona.  The last time we were there was early December 2015.  This time we decided to take a summer trip and get out of the heat.  It may be a small town, but it is big on lots of activities.  We were happy to see some rain since it barely rains in the valley.  I took pictures from our hotel room's balcony and from the streets along Route 66. Homemade Pies - Dutch Apple A-La-Mode

Situated on the edge of the Grand Canyon, El Tovar started taking guests in 1905.  The unique design is part Swiss chalet and part Norwegian Villa.  It was designed by Charles Whittlesey to entice the more influential guests.  This historic hotel was part of a chain of hotels and restaurants which were owned by the Fred Harvey Company.  The materials used to build the structure were limestone and Oregon pine.  In 1987, El Tovar was selected as a National Historic Landmark.  The hotel has accommodated many well-known people along with an immeasurable amount of others. Today, El Tovar stands as a stylish and chic place.  It is consider one of the most lavish locales of all the historic national park lodges.  Inside the hotel are countless classy rooms, a dining room, swanky lobby, gift shops and newsstand.  “El Tovar is a world-class travel destination”.

This is a video of photos I took at the Grand Canyon in August of 2016. I tried to capture all of its beauty in the many different views. It is majestic like an amazing painting of nature at its best. If you haven't seen it, you should. It will take your breath away.

This video is the complete package of what to expect on the train ride from Williams AZ to the Grand Canyon.  While waiting for the train, you are entertained by a Wild West show.  The trip takes two hours both ways and you are entertained by traveling musicians.  The scenery changes throughout the trip.  On the way back, train robbers jump aboard and try to take your money.  It was a fun and entertaining trip.  I will go again.

Picture is from azdailysun.com This exhibit opened on Sunday, August 14, 2016, and is where you can see a 2 year old jaguar named Serafina.  Serafina and her brother came to Bearizona together, but she is the only animal we will see at this exhibit for now.  She will remain at the park until another female jaguar comes from Texas.  At that time she will be moved to the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium in the valley.  Her brother will join the new female after his sister is gone. The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas.  Today, they are almost extinct and are a protected animal.

This coming weekend, my sister-in-law and I are heading back to Williams, AZ.  We were there last year around Christmas and wanted to go back.  We decided to check it out in the summer this time.  One of the things we wanted to do was to take the Grand Canyon Railway train ride.  This journey starts in Williams and takes you through the most gorgeous northern Arizona scenery until it reaches its destination at the Grand Canyon.  The train treks north towards the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way.  It is about a 65 mile rail ride from Williams through flat lands and Ponderosa pines.  I also heard that bandits just might try to rob the train along the way.  Yahoo, I can't wait!  As usual, I will be taking tons of pictures and will try to remember to take videos too.  BTW, this train ride becomes the Polar Express at Christmas time taking the kiddies and their family to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus.

Sadly, I must report that the Poston House Inn is closed.  I found out that the owners sold the property and it is now a private residence.  I was sad to hear this because my sister-in-law and I had a wonderful stay there while in Tubac, AZ.  Our hosts, Mary and Don, were welcoming and showed us around the place before taking us to our room.  I hope they are enjoying their life in whatever they are doing. In the mid 1850’s, and right after the Gadsden Purchase, Charles Poston moved to Tubac.  He purchased the old presidio commandant house and surrounding houses even though they were in poor condition.  He was looking for the ideal house for a financier to live in, and these houses were perfect.  After living in the structures for about 4 years, he left and relocated to Phoenix. “Charles Debrille Poston (April 20, 1825 – June 24, 1902) was an American explorer, prospector, author, politician, and civil servant. He is referred to as the  "Father of Arizona"  due to hi

Mesa Cemetery, AZ