Verde Canyon Rail Road

Since Timm's office started closing between Christmas and New Year's a few years ago we started trying to have an adventure during that time so it doesn't feel like wasted PTO.  This year, we decided to ride the Verde Canyon Rail Road in Clarkdale AZ. 

The river runs really clear...we could see fish in it.  

We spent almost all of our ride on the outdoor car.

We saw bald eagles, they winter there in the canyon. 

Entering the tunnel. 

Amazing views 

This guy works for the train and points out things along the way...great guy 

Train's destination is Perkinsville.  

It was an amazing afternoon on the train.  We just love them.  After the train ride we headed over to the Blazin' M Ranch for dinner.  Didn't stay for the entertainment.  Timm said it's for city slickers.  

An afternoon in Jerome AZ

On our way to Cottonwood, AZ we traveled US89A over Mingus Mtn.  One hundred fifty eight turns in 12 miles is what the t-shirts in Jerome boast.  

 All I know is it's a lot of turns and I was starting to feel a bit dizzy and was glad to get out of the truck.

This is the remains of an old hotel.  Apparently, lots of people now throw coins in there.  I guess the toilets give them targets.  

Nothing is on level ground in Jerome.

Quite a wait for the Haunted Hamburger. 

A few years ago, we toured the Gold King Mine.  We were running out of day light to do it again.

Didn't see any ghosts while we were there.  

Tuzigoot National Monument

 We stopped in at Tuzigoot National Monument between Cottonwood and Clarkdale.  It's an centuries old Indian ruin on s hilltop in the Verde Valley.  It's a pretty interesting place.

 This picture is for Jan...he's always pointing at something in photos. 

I found the tracks on these poles beautiful and facinating.  I wish they showed up better in the photo.