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by Campbell & Sonia Lloyd-Wallace
In our hectic lives, we often find it difficult to decelerate and savor beauty. From nature’s splendor to socializing with friends, opportunities for enrichment surround us. A combination of both equals an unforgettable experience.
The BMW trip to the Grand Canyon the weekend of March 7 exceeded our expectations. A group of ten cars with twenty members meet in Oro Valley and commenced on back roads covered with wildflowers to the Scottsdale area where we headed north on I17 to quaint Camp Verde for lunch. A caravan of 10 vehicles driving in a somewhat single file is not without consequences. The one and only incident of the trip didn’t involve injury to persons or vehicles, fortunately, only the wallet and DMV record.
After lunch, a scenic drive off I17 through Cottonwood, mountainous Jerome, and beautiful Prescott kept everyone entertained. Breathtaking views and fabulous terrain reminded us why we all live in Arizona. The higher elevations remained snow-covered, yet to be brushed by spring.
Late in the afternoon, we arrived at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. After checking in, we met for socializing and dinner and retired early to prepare for the train trip the next day.
An old west gunfight started our Saturday morning. Afterwards, we met at the historic train depot adjacent to the hotel where we boarded the vintage locomotive. The Grand Canyon Railway offered a chance to sit back and view the changes in terrain from desert to prairie to high pines. They offered refreshments and cold or hot drinks along with onboard entertainment. The two plus hour train ride delivered us to the Grand Canyon.
At the Grand Canyon, we boarded a bus and toured the south rims Hermits Rest Route, stopping at the various vistas along the way. Spectacular is the only word that describes the canyon experience. A clear day and awesome weather offered wonderful views and photo opportunities.
Exhausted, we boarded the locomotive just as snow flurries started to fall. On the trip back, the railroad provided entertainment to include a hold up by three masked horsemen. It was truly an old west experience.
Upon returning to the hotel, John and Bergit Ranney extended a happy hour invitation to all the members. We sampled homemade wine, courtesy of our gracious hosts. Door prizes included items from Afghanistan donated by Patti Thibaut.
Sunday morning was group photos and the return trip to Tucson. Following a different route home, we stopped at Oak Creek Canyon where a Native American craft sale was well underway. After another chance for photos, we drove to Sedona for lunch. Sedona’s lunch, with fabulous views, permitted camaraderie before the final miles of the return drive.
Friends, fun, food and beauty; that’s what life’s all about. Very special thanks to Charles and Shelly Watson who put together a stellar trip. Their attentiveness to detail and concern for the whole made this a trip to remember.
In our hectic lives, we often find it difficult to decelerate and savor beauty. From nature’s splendor to socializing with friends, opportunities for enrichment surround us. A combination of both equals an unforgettable experience.
The BMW trip to the Grand Canyon the weekend of March 7 exceeded our expectations. A group of ten cars with twenty members meet in Oro Valley and commenced on back roads covered with wildflowers to the Scottsdale area where we headed north on I17 to quaint Camp Verde for lunch. A caravan of 10 vehicles driving in a somewhat single file is not without consequences. The one and only incident of the trip didn’t involve injury to persons or vehicles, fortunately, only the wallet and DMV record.
After lunch, a scenic drive off I17 through Cottonwood, mountainous Jerome, and beautiful Prescott kept everyone entertained. Breathtaking views and fabulous terrain reminded us why we all live in Arizona. The higher elevations remained snow-covered, yet to be brushed by spring.
Late in the afternoon, we arrived at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. After checking in, we met for socializing and dinner and retired early to prepare for the train trip the next day.
An old west gunfight started our Saturday morning. Afterwards, we met at the historic train depot adjacent to the hotel where we boarded the vintage locomotive. The Grand Canyon Railway offered a chance to sit back and view the changes in terrain from desert to prairie to high pines. They offered refreshments and cold or hot drinks along with onboard entertainment. The two plus hour train ride delivered us to the Grand Canyon.
At the Grand Canyon, we boarded a bus and toured the south rims Hermits Rest Route, stopping at the various vistas along the way. Spectacular is the only word that describes the canyon experience. A clear day and awesome weather offered wonderful views and photo opportunities.
Exhausted, we boarded the locomotive just as snow flurries started to fall. On the trip back, the railroad provided entertainment to include a hold up by three masked horsemen. It was truly an old west experience.
Upon returning to the hotel, John and Bergit Ranney extended a happy hour invitation to all the members. We sampled homemade wine, courtesy of our gracious hosts. Door prizes included items from Afghanistan donated by Patti Thibaut.
Sunday morning was group photos and the return trip to Tucson. Following a different route home, we stopped at Oak Creek Canyon where a Native American craft sale was well underway. After another chance for photos, we drove to Sedona for lunch. Sedona’s lunch, with fabulous views, permitted camaraderie before the final miles of the return drive.
Friends, fun, food and beauty; that’s what life’s all about. Very special thanks to Charles and Shelly Watson who put together a stellar trip. Their attentiveness to detail and concern for the whole made this a trip to remember.