Day 34: Trains, Canyons & Bandits

We got to the depot in time for the "gun fight" pre-boarding show. There was a old western "town" set up nearby, & a bunch of "cowboys" did their schtick. We caught up with the rest of our gang & soon climbed aboard the train. Although we were assigned to 2 different cars, we were able to change our seats & sit all together. A man played guitar & sang folk songs for us while we shared our stashes of snack food.

Two hours later we were at the Grand Canyon. The north rim was covered in rain clouds, but our side was still dry & the view was still outstanding. We were all in a gift shop when the rain reached our side. We waited for it to simmer down to a steady drizzle & then made a bee-line for the nearby restaurant. A hearty hot meal did the trick!

We strolled around the rim walkways, carrying hot chocolates & admiring the bluebirds that flitted about just below us. Then, it was time to head back to the train. Duncun, Shaun's new friend, came around with a paper bag & had each of the 14 of us pick out a heart-shaped heart, a different one for each person. After some quick trades, we were all quite happy with our little momento. A man played a banjo & sang more songs. Ben, one of the dads in our group, requested the banjo song from "Deliverance", & the guy did not disappoint.

We were about 1/2 way back when the train crawled to a stop. I made a joke about Dementors (Harry Potter reference) & placed my hand on my window for a moment, leaving behind its misty outline, just like in the book/story. Then it happened! In the car just ahead of us we could see them - bandits! Eventually, they made their way into our car, bandanas covering their faces, pistols drawn. They demanded our valuables, yet, strangely, gave out bullet shells to all the children. They jousted verbally with everyone, then pressed on to the next car, followed by the sherrif we saw during the pre-boarding shoot-out show. The kids had a lot of fun with this.

Once back in Williams, we went to a pizza place & chowed down. Then, before we knew it, it was time to say goodbyes. Kimi developed a strong friendship with Alek, Abby & Keira, & it was really hard for her to say her farewells to them; they live in Minnesota, so it won't be easy to see them again soon. Duncan asked to sleep over in our RV, so as I right, they are in my bedroom playing GameCube while Kimi's up front with me watching Gilmore Girls while I blog.

Tomorrow - L.A.!!