Now, head East young man!

And so the long trek east begins. We set our sights towards the rising sun and started our 2,500 mile journey which would include the next trade show, the Southern States Co-op show being held in Charlotte, North Carolina, the epitome of the genteel Southern States, all very 'Gone With The Wind' don't you know!

Our first day's travelling was spent retracing our steps from Santa Fe, only this time we decided to spend the first night in Williams, Arizona, home of the Grand Canyon Railway and the town that proudly declares itself to be the Gateway to the Grand Canyon.

Entrance to Williams

We arrived in time to unhitch and take a drive into town, where we found an excellent restaurant called the Red Raven which not only served excellent food but also, that night, had great music provided by a local guy called Steve.  Whilst waiting for our meal we happened to read a local magazine that gave details of a special train being run the following day up to the Grand Canyon to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Grand Canyon Railway. The extra bonus was that the train was due to be pulled by a steam engine instead of the usual diesel locomotive.  "let's see if we can get a seat?" I said. "You'll be lucky, they'll be all sold out" replied Tony.

Well, we were lucky!  At 8.30 the following morning, instead of continuing our journey east, we were standing on the platform waiting for our steam train to take us up to the maginificent Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon steam train

The journey did not disappoint and we chuffed our way over flat plateaus and through wooded hills being entertained not only by the breathtaking scenery but also by a group of singing cowboys, complete with guitars, accordions, and fiddles.  Two and a half hours later we arrived at the Grand Canyon depot and walked up to take in the astonishing site of the Grand Canyon, which was bathed in sunshine and providing a technicolour display for the spectators.

Hils at the Grand Canyon depot

Grand Canyon

We had three hours before we had to be back on board, and we made the most of it, taking in the sites, and watching a display of native dancing. The Navajo dancers were amazing and took the time to explain to the watching crowd the meanings of the songs and dances they were performing.

Navajo Dancer

Before we knew it we had to get back to the railway depot and climb on board for our trip back to Williams. If we thought we would be allowed to have a quiet snooze on the way back, well we were in for a big shock. As the train crossed the plateau towards Williams we were 'attacked' by a gang of desperate outlaws who galloped alongside brandishing guns and wearing colourful bandanas over their faces as the train slowed to a stop and the gang boarded the train! The passengers screamed as the outlaws entered each carriage and we were encouraged to hand over our money to save ourselves!

Needless to say this was all a put-up job but the passengers, especially the children, joined in with the game enthusiastically, and the outlaws left the train hotly pursued by the local sheriff. As the train pulled away the outlaws gave us all a cheery wave!

As a final treat we were told that later that night the town was putting on a firework display as part of the 110th anniversary at the local rodeo arena. Right on time as we sat by our campfire we were treated to a spectacular firework display. What a way to end a truly amazing day.