April 28, 2014 ( lots of pictures)


Today was our train ride trip to the Grand Canyon.  We are just so excited.  I have never been on a train before so I was double excited.   We first saw a western show that was just so funny and we really enjoyed it.  We spoke to one of the cast members (he was from Mississippi).  He said that if it wasn't for the train and the man that owns the Canyon Railways, the town of Williams would be a ghost town. 


We had a great ride and saw cattle fences, corrals and phone lines that were built in the 1890's.  This land still has cattle ranches that have been passed down from generation to generation.  


Our first stop at the Grand Canyon was to view the Bucky O'Neill Cabin.  Mr. O'Neill was a prospector and adventurer.  The cabin was built in the 1890's and is the oldest Grand Canyon structure.  Mr. O'Neill's career ended abruptly in 1898 when he was killed in Cuba while serving with Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.  Later when Theodore Roosevelt became President he stayed in Bucky's cabin and made the Grand Canyon a National Park. 


The Grand Canyon has to be one of the most awesome landmarks in the US.  I can't even put into words how gorgeous it is.  It is one of those places you have to experience for yourself.   The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and an average of 10 miles wide from rim to rim.  It boast 24 miles of hiking trail and has an average elevation from 7000-8000 feet above sea level.  Jim and I walked the Trail of Time and almost made it to a bus pick up point, but we have to admit the altitude has put a kink in our breathing. 


As beautiful as the Grand Canyon is a lot of the trails especially the trails that go down the side of the mountains have no barriers.  When Jim and I were coming off of our trail we walked by a ranger that was receiving a call about an incident at Mather Point.   Unfortunately someone did fall 400 feet off the South Rim and this morning our prayers are with this family.  


Love to all,
Jim and Debbie