The Boys are Back!! It is March and that means Spring Training is in full bloom in Arizona;-) For Gary, all the childhood memories come flooding back as we take in several of the Dodger games out at Camelback Ranch – complete with Dodger Dogs, nachos, peanuts, root beer floats, etc. etc. etc.
Lets Go Dodgers!!!
Saw lots of talent, old and new.
Of course, there were more volleyball games for niece Demi – –
Another nice dig, girl;-)
And then there is always Spring Break! This year it was granddaughter Haley’s turn for a trip in the Bus (which also included planes, trains and automobiles).
Haley’s first solo flight! Arrived safe in AZ.
We all hopped into Magic and took a short drive up 89 to Williams, AZ – gateway to the Grand Canyon. AND a great stop on Route 66;-)
Exploring Historic Route 66 in downtown Williams.
Haley enjoyed her first Dairy Queen on Route 66 – an original.
Now for the train – All Aboard the Grand Canyon Special for a quick trip to the South Rim of Grand Canyon NP. Just before boarding, we were ‘held up’ by a few rough characters –
The Wild West show at the Williams train station.
The Grand Canyon Railway taking us to Grand Canyon National Park.
And then – there it was! The sight that stunned President Theodore Roosevelt into silence. After he recovered his voice he said “In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world . . . Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it, and man can only mar it.” Thus, it was established as a National Park in 1919.
We all enjoyed Haley’s first visit to the Grand Canyon.
The immensity of the Canyon is indicated by its outsized statistics – the canyon chasm is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide and its average depth is one mile. A ‘bucket list item’ for many is to hike the Bright Angel Trail to the Phantom Ranch. While we didn’t quite make it that far – we did take our turn on the trail – –
We are off – on the Bright Angel Trail.
We also had lunch in the Arizona Room at the Bright Angel Lodge, checked out the historic El Tovar Hotel, Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio and the Hopi House – –
Went shopping in the Hopi House.
Then we walked the South Rim Trail and ran into a couple of these guys – –
Haley’s first close encounter with an Elk.
Beautiful vistas along the way.
Time came to reboard the train and head back to Williams and Magic. But Wait!! we were robbed!!
These guys looked suspiciously like the robbers in the morning Wild West Show.
Our adventure proved to be fun, enlightening and awe inspiring. A good time was had by all – and all were exhausted;-)
But, not too much time to waste. Up early the next day and off to Bearizona, where we drove through a wonderful rescue facility to see wolves, bison and bears – –
What a motley crew!
We saw wolves…
Bison (not sure what the tongue is after here).
These two bears seemed to be playing “King of the Mountain” in the tree.
These guys were not about to let the crows get ahold of their carrots.
The otters had a palyful romp..
I think we interrupted the bobcats nap.
One of the best parts of Bearizona is the raptor show. They ruffled OUR feathers/hair as they flew barely above our heads!!
The owls and falcons flew over and through the audience.
This crow was on duty to collect donations at the end of the show.
Then there was this beautiful guy! Would NOT want to meet him without the glass between us.
The jaguar never stopped pacing.
Another day ended and we headed back to Magic for a birthday dinner for Gramps – complete with peanut butter pie and a Route 66 cap to remind him of the trip 😉
An early birthday for Gramps!
Just like that, March came and went. But, it left us with some wonderful memories (and great pics).
E & G – happy as always;-)
Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour 