Verde Canyon Train Ride

Wednesday on our vacation, we did the Verde Canyon train ride. Two hours out to a ranch and two hours back to Clarkdale. It start off hot but cooled off when the thunderstorms started roaming the area. None of them went over the train.

They do understand weather and people. While the train was stopped and the engines were moving from one end to the other, they dropped off boxes of ice cream bars. The ice cream was priced very reasonable at one dollar a bar. One couple was turning them down until the guide said they were good for you and I chimed in saying they count as a dairy product. I think it was an easy sale. Another item for purchase was prickly pear lemonade. I imagine it is really toasty on the train in July and August.

The guide explained the history of the area, pointing out Indian dwellings and rocks such as turtle rock. The engines started in Alaska and originally had eagles painted on them. The track was put in because of the copper mine in Jerome.

Montezuma's Castle

Turns out when you decide to duck the clean crew where you are staying, you end up at Montezuma's Castle.
The place we were originally going to go was closed on Tuesday, we end up there on Thursday but that is another story.

For some reason, the explorers, thought this was a hide out or vacation home built for Montezuma and named it accordingly. I don't think they noticed site A which is just some rock foundations. Actually, both site A and Montezuma's castle were built by the Sinagua Indians who may have ended up with trade items that started in Mexico. Trade items were probably the main connection to Mexico. The Sinagua may have original immigrated from there.

Site A, which is in the second photo, caught fire and burned according to the posted information. It might have been a cooking fire or may be there was another cause. Since there are no real records from back then, everyone gets to have their theory.

The bottom picture is of Beaver Creek which flows past the site. It looks dry but just 30 yards up stream, the water is visible in the stream bed. It flows underground just in front of the dwellings for part of the year. That would be a good reason not to build by the banks of the creek. I still wouldn't build as far up if I didn't need to defend against other groups of people though. Site A is a good location for being up from the water without having to scamper up and down ladders.

I suspect not everyone got along way back then and ladders were a good defense for preserving yourself and protecting your stored food from a raid.

West Fork Hike

The West Fork hike is another easy hike near Sedona. It is in Oak Creek Canyon North of Sedona and follows a stream. At the start of the trail there are the remains of an old cabin and its associated storage cave. I think at one time the area had a small apple orchard. There were numerous apples on the ground and a number on the higher branches in the trees.

The trail is described as being 3 miles one way. I think we did most of it. We stopped when the trail wasn't easy to spot. The forest service description is correct that is popular. We talked to three other couples and said hi to several other groups. You do cross the stream a lot. In September, if you are careful, you can keep your feet dry by using logs and stepping stones. Expect to get a little water on your shoes.

We didn't see the bear but there was fresh sign. No bells in the scat. Which means it was a black bear. If you don't know the joke, I am sure someone can fill you in on it.

Sedona -Marg's Draw Hike

Recently, we were in Sedona, Arizona for a vacation. Just one of those get away vacations, no obligations, and no major plans. One of the activities we ended up doing was some of the hikes around Sedona.

The first step was getting a Red Rocks pass for the car. This let us park on National Park land which surrounds Sedona. We got one for a week.

The first hike was an easy one called Marg's Draw because it goes across Marg's Draw which is an area that could fill with water during a thunderstorm. Easy means no scrambling and just grab the sunscreen and water. We aren't sure we did the whole 2 miles out and back because the trail connects with others. I am sure we did 3 miles based on time.

The wildlife consisted of birds, lizards, and a horned toad. I got a good picture of the horned toad. Rudy walked right past it, so I also get credit for spotting it. Turns out whoever is in front gets to see lots of lizards and the other person sees one about every 10 to 15 minutes. The birds were some sort of finch and a type of blue jay. Neither looks quite like what is in Colorado.

We were a little silly and started the hike around 10 am which meant it was getting hot by the time we got back to the car. I think it got up to about 92 in Sedona that day.