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.  

Flag Day...Father's Day

Wishing all the dads out there a happy Father's Day.  Hope you get to spend some of it with your kids...whether in be in person or by phone.  

Don't forget to display your patriotic pride today as well.  

Timm 

Chris and Scott 

Dad

Cabela's...Lehi, Utah

On the way to Salt Lake City for the Sam's Club National BBQ Tour contest we stopped in at Cabela's in Lehi, Utah.  What an awesome place!  We spent about 2 hours there.  They have a big game room...what an amazing place.  Here are some photos to share.

We managed to spend some money, taste some fudge, see some great animals, and enjoy ourselves.  If you want to read about the BBQ contest, head over to Trailhound Smokers BBQ blog to check it out 

The Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

This year it took two attempts to acquire our beloved Christmas tree.  The first weekend of December was bitter cold but we headed out anyway.  We were stopped just before the Virgin River Gorge by highway patrol.  They had closed the gorge due to black ice and snow.  We turned around and came home only to hunt another day.  

Our second attempt was successful.  We headed up Cedar Mountain, beyond Brianhead to the parking area outside Meadow Lake Estates.   We crossed the road and headed into the woods.  

I was not allowed to walk into the snow to hunt trees because of my recent knee replacements.  Scott, Timm and Christy all headed in to find our trees.  The snow was deeper than we thought it was, so it was probably a good thing I didn't wander off the road.  It certainly isn't as much as the snow though. 

We found our three trees pretty quickly.   

Christy really gets into this tradition of ours and she loves it too.  

Scott and Christy's tree. 

We even found a bird nest in one of the trees...super cool.  

The successful second attempt was a pretty quick trip but we still enjoyed lunch at Lupita's Mexican Restaurant in Cedar.  The dogs didn't go this year, Chris and Bri had to work.  I hope next year they are all able to go with us. 

Fun in the water

We headed up to Enterprise, UT to pick up a load of fruit wood.  We had to stop by the Beaver Dam Reservoir to let Cassy play in the water.  She absolutely loves it.  I wish we lived closer to a place she could play in the water all the time.  

Mmmmmm, grass.  

She loves to roll in the dirt too.