Grand Canyon
DETAILS
When — June 28th, 2O22
Where — Flagstaff and Williams, Arizona
Mileage — 69 miles
Compliments on my motorcycle - I lost track after 10! While parked at Pete’s gas station museum on Rte. 66 people came up and were taking photos with the bike! Yes that is Pete in the photo. What a cool guy!
The grand canyon, route 66, and pete’s Gas station museum
I wanted to see the Grand Canyon, but I was concerned about the traffic and long lines getting into the park. It was forecasted to be 91 degrees. Sitting in long lines on top of a hot V-Twin engine spelled trouble. I was on the National Park website trying to decided what to do and clicked on alternative transportation, and there it was, the Grand Canyon Railroad. Anybody who knows me, knows I like train rides. What a happy surprise!
This train ride starts in Williams, AZ and takes about 2 hour and 15 minutes to get to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. When you get to the Canyon you transfer to air conditioned tour buses that take you to the Yavapai and Yaki over looks. They then take you to an air condition lodge and provide a boxed lunch and soda. You then do some shopping and board the train for your return trip. They have this whole Wild West train robbery story going for the kids, but is an EASY trip. I enjoyed letting others handle the details and went along for the fun.
The Grand Canyon.
It is hard to explain how stunning the views of the Grand Canton are in person. The immense depth and grandeur pulls something in you. It is a jolt to the heart, you feel a slight tinge of panic or fear. I love that feeling on mountains and looking into deep canyons. The elevation on the rim averages 7,000 feet, bit the river and bottom of the canyon is a mile deep. Temperatures in the canyon are much higher. These last two days have been different. Seeing the Walnut Creek National Monument and traveling to the Grand Canyon showed me how harsh this desert landscape can be. I find the desert to be eerie, severe, and haunting. I was jolted by the views of the Grand Canyon. I am so glad I worked this into the trip.
After I returned to Williams on the train, I decided to check out Route 66 in town. It was very nice and had some nice shops and diners. Local folks there think they have one of the better portions of Route 66. I stopped in at Goldies Route 66 Diner and then stopped into Pete’s Gas Station Museum. He has an amazing collection of vintage gas station signs and equipment. I wanted to get a picture of the Springfield in front of his store, so I had pulled my bike close in front. I bought a few things and then talked a while to this Marine veteran. As we talked we noticed people coming up and taking pictures with my bike and one lady sat on the bike! We had a good laugh at that one. He came out to admire the Springfield. Then we had a long talk about motorcycles as the sun began to set. All day at the train depot and in town people came up to talk about the bike. I am glad I washed her up in Phoenix.
I buzzed the 30 miles back to Flagstaff as the sun was setting. I loving riding at dusk when the sun is falling and the coolness of night begins to close around you.
Tomorrow I head to Albuquerque for a camping night that will set me up for US-550 and The Million Dollar Highway. No blog tomorrow night. I know everyone wants more riding videos. Hang in there, I will have more time in Colorado Springs.
Take care and thanks for all the support.
