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My wife and I just returned from a trip to Arizona to visit family. We took a couple excursions from Scottsdale.
I can highly recommend a trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale (near Sedona). The tourist train is part of the Arizona Central shortline operation. Initially the owner bought the line (connects at Drake to BNSF Phoenix-Williams line)for the freight business at the large cement plant (coal in, cement out) but found the scenery so stunning he started a small tourist operation.
The train has now expanded to 8 first class cars (former ATSF first generation stainless steel) and six coaches (ex commuter rail cars) pulled by ex Alaska RR FP-7's. After seeing many of the western tourist operations this is by far the most luxurious. Each first class car has a full bar, buffet area (heavy appetizers including mini subs, wings etc) and couch style seating for four on one side and very comfortable chairs for two on the tho other. What makes the service unique is that every two cars have a 50' flat car between them with canopy and benches for outside viewing and photography. The attendant was superb and a guide/naturalist was available for questions on the flat car.
The weather was perfect (not sure I'd want to do it in mid summer) and Verde canyon and mountains made it hard to stop taking pictures during the four hour trip.
Our next excursion was to Winslow for another stay at the wonderful La Posada hotel in Winslow. The hotel, a former 1930 Harvey House hotel - mission style is a real gem. It is still being lovingly restored by the owner and his wife, an artist - a real oasis in the middle of the rather desolate town. The hotel also owns the attached Winslow station. Arm chairs on the front lawn make for easy train watching of the BNSF mainline.
Train activity is non stop and it is also the crew change point between Needles, CA and Belen NM (as well as Phoenix crews). Amtrak crews between LA and Albuquerque change in Kingman, AZ. After dinner some of the quests (little evidence of foamers) take a stroll to see the SWC arrive.
Even if you didn't like trains or the hotel, it is worth a stop just to eat in the Turquoise Room restaurant run by John Sharpe who is from England. All fresh and local (or regional) food with a southwestern flare. It is impossible to have a bad meal ($20-$30 and folks do dress up a bit for dinner), and lots of items I would not otherwise try: bison, antelope, lamb. To get fresh corn in early April he has it shipped in from CA (near Salton Sea) at $1/ ear. The sweet green corn tamale and signature soup (sweet corn and black bean) were to die for.
One day we went to the nearby Painted Desert/Petrified Forest N.P. What started as a breezy day ending up as a gale that made it challenging to hike. On leaving the park the ranger told us gusts were recorded to 56 mph. There was also lots of blowing dust, but blue skies. On returning to the hotel we were told Interstate 40 had been shut down west of Winslow due to the winds (doesn't do good things to truckers with empty 53' trailers). Later we learned the mainline was also shut down for several hours. Done as a precaution when wind exceeds 50mph to avoid having empty double stack containers blowing off trains. All that of course made for great train watching that evening when the mainline opened, though the SWC was delayed only 30". Consists for the trains we saw was the standard bag, transition dorm, 2 sleepers, diner, lounge, 3 coaches.
So, make an excuse to go see La Posada. You'll love it.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Mike, actually I did try the Bison and Antelope. The antelope was particularly good. Much like roast beef except much leaner (and healthier). Sharpe says they are of New Zealand origin and farm raised on a west Texas ranch. The hunters pay big bucks to hunt on some of the ranches. They get a trophy and he gets the delicious meat.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Plus they have no antibiotics or growth hormones in them, like most beef, pork, & chicken we buy at the store.
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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