Day 3 Monday, June 18th
We have plans today
.we are to drive about half an hour to a town called Williams, AZ and catch a passenger train that takes us up to the Grand Canyon. We have to be in Williams at 8:30 for an Old West Shootout, and then the train leaves at 9:00.
The Embassy Suites we are staying at has a free breakfast. We had breakfast here yesterday as well. They have one chef who makes cooked to order omelets, pancakes, sausage, hash browns, and bacon. And they have cereal, muffins, and other pastries.
We eat breakfast here each morning we stay. This morning was pretty busy so we had to wait in line for awhile. But the omelets he made were great.
We finish breakfast about 7:45 and get in the van and drive to Williams. We arrive and get our train tickets and walk over to watch the Shootout. The characters are very funny. It is a good show.
We now board the train. When I booked it, I had the choice between Coach Class, Club Class, First Class, Dome, and Parlor Class. I booked us in Club Class. The difference between Club and First was $35 per person. We were happy in Club Class. They had free soft drinks and had a bar as well. Our Cabin Steward if you will was as LOT of fun. He made the trip very enjoyable.
The train ride was about 1 ½ hours to the Canyon. The scenery was nothing spectacular, but nice. We were free to walk back to the snack car if we wanted.
Once at the Grand Canyon, we also booked a Canyon Rim Motorcoach Tour. As soon as we got off the train, we boarded a Motorcoach and they drove us to one of the lodges at the South Rim for lunch. Lunch was a buffet that was very average. Our 2nd (and LAST) disappointing meals. Not that it was horrible, just kind of average even for a buffet.
Okay
NOW we get to go see the Canyon!!! Weve been in Arizona for a day and a half now and we still havent walked up to the edge yet. Until now
..
Youve heard all the stories about how awe-inspiring it is when you see it for the first time. Well, the stories are true. What a spectacular sight to see. Truly amazing. It simply made me say Wow.
The motorcoach tour took us around the rim to different points that regular vehicles are not allowed. You can hike to them, you just cant drive. At each point, we were allowed off the bus and had about 20 30 minutes at each destination.
The motorcoach took us back to the train station where we had about 45 minutes of free time before we had to board the train for the return trip back to Williams. We walked up to the El Tovar Lodge which is the Main Grand Canyon Lodge on the South Rim. It sits right on the edge. Some rooms have Grand Canyon views. We walked through the shops and bought a few souvenirs.
We had to board the train at 3:45 and the train left at 4:00. This time we had an old time Steam Engine. It was cool. On the trip to the GC, we had a Diesel Engine.
We arrive back in Williams about 5:30 pm and shopped in the Gift Shop there. Took a few pictures and then left to go back to Flagstaff.
Back in Flagstaff about 7:00, we decide to go look for a place for dinner. I remembered the guy at the Front Desk at the Embassy Suites recommending a place called Black Barts. So, we go looking for it.
We find it and really dont know what to expect. Its called Black Barts Restaurant and Saloon. We are hoping that it is family friendly. And was it ever!!!
It was a steak house with entertainment. The wait staff sing and dance and are the entertainment. All the waiters and waitresses are music or theater majors from Northern Arizona University. They sing solos and group songs. I thought it was cool that the waiters/waitresses were from the local college.
We had a fantastic meal!! What a change from our previous 2 meals. The waiters/waitresses/singers were fun!! And the food was good. The only disappointment was that I did not bring my camera and take pictures.
After dinner we went back to the hotel for our last night in Flagstaff. Tomorrow we are driving the long drive to the North Rim of the Canyon.
I'm back. Cedar Point was a blast yesterday. It was my first time riding Millenium Force, Maverick and Top Thrill Dragster
OMG they were so awesome!!! Top Thrill Dragster goes 120 mph!!! It is incredible!!!! Millenium Force was the best coaster I've ever rode in my life!!!!! Raptor is still one of my favorites...but wow what a fun day. I can't wait to upload my pix. Kenny had a blast. Mike took him all over Kiddie Kingdom and Camp Snoopy most of the day while I ran from ride to ride and checked in w/them here and there... I didn't plan on doing that, but Mike made me
Maverick had a 1 hour wait right at opening, then Millenium had a 1 hr wait as well... Dragster was 15 minutes, Raptor was 15 minutes and literally everything else you could just walk on!
I'm glad she wasn't upset about it long term, but I'm with you...I would still be upset too....
sorry your meds haven't been very nice to you!!! I bought the Canon 30d... I absolutely love it! Get your rest sweetie!
! Yes, Millenium was incredible! I'm ready to go back and ride that one again
Hi Lesa!!!
. They use to give hand stamps like a fastpass that told you what time to come back and they quit doing it
let me tell you...I had NO plans of riding it EVER!!! But
it was awesome!!! I rarely scream on a coaster, but on THAT...I screamed my head off
it was a blast..and for only a 15 minute wait...even better. Last time I was there, it was over 3 hour wait
