The Grand Canyon... Say What Now?

It's hard to believe that something as mind blowing as the Grand Canyon can actually exist on this earth. Okay, maybe YOU don't find it that hard to believe but I tend to be astounded by what this world has to offer. I think that having so much technology in my life has made real life seem even more real. I am so incredibly lucky to have experienced what the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel has to offer. Not only did I get to see the Grand Canyon (I'm still stunned), but I got to travel there on the Grand Canyon railway train. All the way up the mountain we went, totally immersed in the raw, rugged beauty of Arizona.

  

This ancient hotel has thrived here in Williams Arizona for over one hundred years. Everyday it proves as a warm and cozy home for the restless travelers that will be sent to the Grand Canyon the next morning. While I lounged in the "Gryffindor common room" style lobby, I was fascinated by the diversity of the people that were visiting. I caught some french, Russian, Spanish, Italian and so many more tongues. If only it hadn't been so hot I would have loved sitting by that fire, curled up with a good book and observing the bustle of that room all night.

Before boarding the train we were treated to little production, presented by some of local cow boys. Though I couldn't here much over the noise of the train, the shots being fired and the chuckling crowd, I had a world of fun.

Our train looked exactly how I dreamed it would look. It was basically the Polar Express. I found myself having a very strong craving for hot chocolate, despite the humid air. 

The train not only provided a comfortable traveling experience for us but we were also treated to yummy snacks a some great western entertainment. Every so often a cowboy would come and play his guitar in our train car. Most of them were old men but there was one young cowboy, with the most adorable southern accent and the big blue eyes and stubble to match! It was nice to be entertained throughout the train ride, it made the journey fly by.

Can you tell how amazing the Grand Canyon is from my pictures? Probably not! It's vast beauty and complexity cannot truly be captured in a picture, but I did my best. At some point the layers upon layers of rock and history become overwhelming and somewhat incomprehensible. 

I wondered while on the train what we would do for three hours here at the Grand Canyon.In truth, I could have spent days up there. Simply sitting and looking out into the depths of the canyon could keep me occupied for a very long time.

Unfortunately, our visit did have a time limit. Though I adored my time at the Grand Canyon, I was really exhausted when our three hours was up. I was looking forward to a long, relaxing train ride home.

  

My need for a nap after our exhausting day was pushed aside by the sounds of horses running along side the train and a bullet being fired! No, it wasn't a real bullet but it sure did wake me up. SURPRISE! The cowboys were actually train robbers, here to take the willingly given one dollar bills from the tourists. This little charade was the perfect end to a super fun day!

I hope you caught even a mere glimpse of what the Grand Canyon has to offer while reading this. Hopefully you will one day bask in all its glory, as I did. 

Thanks for reading.

-Emily