Williams To Phoenix

On Monday we drove from Williams Arizona to Phoenix Arizona.  We descended more than 5,000 feet in elevation along the way watched the temperature raise by about 30 degrees.  Along the way, we took a detour to go sight seeing along a dirt road through the Arizona Forest.

We stopped along the way to take some photos.  The mountains in the background are near Sedona, Arizona.

We continued down the road a total of 6 miles and  stopped at Schenbly Hill Vista for a great view of the mountains around Sedona. 

 

 

There were folks there from Sedona on a Jeep Tour, but our Minivan did just fine on the dirt road. Admittedly though, we came from the interstate 17 freeway side, not from Sedona. We drove back the way we came so we didn't find out what the road would have been like if we continued up to Sedona. 

We continued down the 17 freeway to Phoenix. The terrain changed quickly on the drive down the hill. Pine trees quickly gave way to small trees and shrubs.

The Grand Canyon Railway

We left Williams, AZ on Sunday morning to take a trip to the Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway.  It's a bit expensive at around $65 per ticket, but a fun way to travel.  If you are a AAA or AARP member, they offer a discount of around 10%.

Shannon's parents came along with us as well. 

 

 

The Pullman car we rode in was manufactured in 1923.

It was great seeing the different terrain and wildlife along the way to the Grand Canyon. 

 

 

There was a Steam Train at the Rim of the Grand Canyon when we arrived at the train station. Although our train was Diesel, they run a steam train once per month. 

 

The train brought us close the the rim of the grand canyon where we were able to walk over and get some pictures of the stunning views.

 

There's lots of things to explore around the top of the rim so the kids enjoyed exploring

The Squirrels were very tame and were looking for a handout.

There was a store called the Hopi House that sold Native American artwork.

I couldn't resist this shot

Williams Arizona Via Route 66

We left headed to Williams Arizona along Route 66.  It was a neat drive. After leaving Los Angeles County, we found ourselves out in desert terrain.

 We crossed the California->Arizona border after crossing the Colorado river.

 The terrain changed quickly as we got closer to Williams.

Once we arrived it was much cooler and greener with pine trees everywhere and snow on the mountain peaks.

Williams is nostalgic town with lots of tourist shops and neon.

There was also an old gas station converted to a museum.

 

 

Some Random Updates

Here's some updates from news around the Schnittker house over the last couple weeks.

Our cat had kittens on Easter Sunday.  Kittens are doing well. 

 Here's mama kitty taking a break from her demanding kittens.

 

The weather has been warm so everything is blooming and growing.  Our blackberry bush is blooming with white flowers.   This particular bush is grown from a cutting that came from my Grandfather's house.  My kids are probably the 5th generation to get berries from it.

 

Kids have been spending time outside.  Brandon has been practicing riding a large 26 inch bicycle.  He only started riding a bike a few weeks ago. 

 

Emily has been practicing the drums.  Here she is at Guitar Center.  The kids love going to Guitar Center because they get to play the instruments but Ben loves it the most.  Ben plays the drums, guitars and keyboards/pianos while he is there.

 Sarah recently played Penny in her school's production of "Urinetown".  She did a great job. Here she is on stage with her fellow classmates.

She also had her Junior prom on May 8th. 

 We are heading to the Grand Canyon next.  We'll have more updates soon.