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.  

Oak Creek Canyon, Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake

While in Williams, AZ we ventured over to Oak Creek Canyon.  What a pretty place it is.  I can only imagine what it must look like in the fall.   

Cassy loves to look out the window.  

One of the cactus blooms in the area. 

Timm loves drives like this.  

When the canyon opens up at the south end near Sedona the rock formations are spectacular. 

Cool refreshing water 

Cassy wanted in the water really bad but I don't think the fly fisherman would have appreciated it. 

We took Cassy Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake so she could swim. 

It really made her day! 

And of course, she needs to roll in the dirt afterwards.

Bearizona

While at the Northern Arizona BBQ Festival we took time to visit Bearizona again.  This was our third trip and it gets better each time we go.  They continue to work, build and grow the amazing park.  There are new animals and exhibits each time we go.   Here are some photos from our time there for you to enjoy.

Mountain goats 

Mountain Big Horn 

Wolf 

Wolves 

White Bison 

Desert Big Horn 

Bear 

Bear 

Porcupine 

Racoons 

Porcupine 

Linx 

Bear Cubs 

Bear Cubs 

Javalina...looks like he's sticking his tongue out at us but he's really smelling the air. 

Badger 

Falcon 

Owl

Timm 

Crystal