Day 13 - Route 66 Day 11 Wednesday March 17, traveled 43 miles today

Today was a train ride into the Grand Canyon.

Shirleen bought the luxury tickets, we had the dome car front seats on he way in. they scenery is spectacular to view as you go from desert, mountains, fir trees, free range cattle and squatters in shanty’s along the way. The trip was a little over 2 hours with fresh fruit, rolls and coffee.

We had cowpokes on board who sang western songs and had a humorous routine with jokes and banter back and forth. There western clothes were right out of the old west and rarely washed, or made to look that way. They carried six shooters and on the return trip some of the cowpokes held up the train. Neat touch.

The first thing we wanted to do was have lunch so we went right to the lodge, El Tovar Dining Room designed by Mary Jane Colter. We each had a glass of wine by Irony, Shirleen a cab I a pinot noir. For the meal Shirleen wanted beef and ordered a Peppercorn Crusted Black Angus Hamburger topped with gorgonzola aioli, mushrooms, onion fried and Swiss cheese with fries,

I the daily fish special Mahi Mahi with a Thai sauce, nice and flavorful – red pepper flakes and a sweet sour taste – over a bed of rice and a side of broccoli.

The Hopi (Indian tribe) building alongside the restaurant was also designed by Mary Jane Colter.

We had been to the Canyon three years ago so we took in the view. Looking over the rim into the canyon I could see some copper green besides the iron reds. A different view from last time. As we walked along the walkway there was a scurry of ranger activity.

Turns out there was a guy down over the side resting on a slab rock 5 by 7 foot (between the trees), probably a thousand feet to the next level. It turns out it is not illegal but they frown on doing it. Guys looked real hippie and foreign, but gave no problem. It is interesting to watch the many cultures and countries viewing one of the eight wonders of the world.

Headed back on the Grand Canyon train, this time in the end car with the presidential rear stage. We could go out on the stage and view the scenery in a more natural feeling. The air was warm as we watched the train zigzag through some of the terrain. What a fun experience. On-board we had cheese and crackers, with a vegetable medley. To top off the experience we all had a glass of sparkly wine – champagne to toast to a fine day.

Tonight we are staying at the Stage Coach 6 Motel, Seligman AZ, different than the previous but adequate. It is a horseshoe shape, probably 50 units, 6 occupied. The Café ‘The Pizza Joint’ is in the center of this complex and we decided to go for a pizza there. Quaint place to eat. The front wall has many dollar bills pinned to it. Lisa, the waitress/Owner, said in the old days the cowboys would come in after payday and by there booze. When they left they would pin a buck there for the next time they came in because they were probably out of money. She was from Oslo, Norway, left about 45 years ago. Her 65th birthday was early this week and she had 65 roses decorating the pizzeria. She was telling us how she had purchased the place 3 years ago just before travel just about stopped. It has picked up somewhat but still waiting to see if it is for real. Her mother is in assisted living in Oslo and she visits her when she can. She also said that she had a cabin up in the hills. This is the opening I have been waiting for. I said a Hytta? She looked stunned that I knew the Norwegian word for cabin. We told her our neighbors had one built for them in Minnesota because of their Norwegian ancestry. We split a 12 inch all pepperoni, half fresh mushrooms and Italian sausage. It turns out they make there own dough and sauce. A medium thickness crust, a really good pizza. Turns out this eve they had to make 20 pizzas for a school athletic banquet. Tomorrow is another day. Jerry