Well, we learned something new this morning at 5:30 a.m.  I learned that Williams, Arizona operates on what they call Rocky Mountain Pacific Time.  Now the way I learned this was, when we travel, no matter where in the world, I always keep my watch on good ol’ Texas time.  So, this morning when I woke up at 7:30 Texas time, I assumed we were still in Rocky Mountain Standard Time and it was actually 6:30 here locally.  So I woke up the little missus and informed her it was time to get up and get ready for breakfast and then get on the train for the Grand Canyon.  She rolled over and mumbled something to the effect of “What time is it here?”  I told her my calculations and she mumbled, “Are you sure?”  With more than a little sarcasm in my tone I informed her I would call the front desk and double check just to make her happy.  You can imagine my suprise when the front desk told me it was 5:30.  I asked the girl at the desk if she was sure and she also offered just a touch of sarcasm in return saying she didn’t need to use a “lifeline” and that was her final answer. I put down the phone and told Charlotte she didn’t need to get in a rush, we still had a little extra time.  I would act as her snooze alarm for a while more.

We did eventually get ready and went over for breakfast and then down to the corral by the train station to witness an early morning gun fight where the bad guys lost again and the sheriff saved the day.  Then we climbed up in the “Chief”, that was the name of our club car on the train.  It was the last car on the train and had a nice observation deck on back where you could go out and watch the scenery go by in the fresh air.  Seating was great with overstuffed sofa and chairs for a great ride plus our car attendant, Katie, who kept your glass full and the snacks at the ready.  We met some nice couples on the way and enjoyed making new friends.  We both made the observation that all the people riding in our car seemed to be about our age.  With no grandkids to keep up with, we all had time to enjoy getting to know one another.  It was a great two hour ride at the blazing speed of about 40 mph.

Arriving at the Grand Canyon, we made the climb (unassisted) up to the El Tovar Hotel and Hopi House on the canyon rim.  They had lots of handmade rocking chairs on the big porch of the hotel and after the climb up from the train, I figured out why.  We landed in a chair and rested a little before going to see the first and most important reason for being there.  I bet you thought I was going to say the observation areas on the canyon rim.  That would be the wrong answer.  We headed straight for the gift shop (or as I affectionately call them, tourist traps).  There we began snatching everything remotely interesting as possible gifts for those back  home from the racks and shelves and throwing them on the counter with my trusty plastic wompum card on top. We sure didn’t want them to run out before we could  load our arms up with all the “good stuff”.

After shopping the store dry, we headed out for the scenic outlooks of the canyon.  I was not prepared for the sight I saw.  I had taken several geology courses while getting my degree at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, TX. (Go Loboes!)  I felt I had received a pretty solid knowledge base of basic geologic activity.  I was not prepared for the site that met me on the canyon rim.  The activity of the Colorado River to dig such a hole in the earth blows my mind!  I was, am, and will always be amazed at this truly amazing site.  I just wish I could have been there when the first humans came upon this site.  I bet that was an interesting conversation!