November 9, 2009
Clarkdale, Arizona
Arizona has a most amazing train ride into the Verde Canyon following the Verde River to Perkinsville. The 40 mile round trip was crowned with gorgeous autumn golds on the cottonwoods and apache plume. This is a ride into the other “Grand Canyon.” The journey featured native flora and fauna, rugged high-desert rock faces and spectacular vistas. The train running at 16mph passed towering crimson pinnacles, ancient Indian ruins, over fortified trestles, past a monocline fault and though a man made 680-foot tunnel (yes it was black as night).
This pic was taken from the outdoor viewing car at the end of the train. I spent most of my time outside clicking 800 pics in 4 hours. It is a good thing that we both love trains. A very good time was had by all on this lovely autumn day…….
Postscript: I took many pics on this ride and two of them will be published in the Railroading magazine. I won 2 first class tickets on the Verde Canyon Railroad.