Day 4 August 2, 2010 we've been robbed!

Well, maybe not, but that part will come later. We woke to a cool 58 degrees and rain. Today we are headed to the Grand Canyon. We booked a tour through the RV park because we had heard that there was a lot of traffic going into the park this time of year. Taking a tour also took the guesswork out of what to do and it allowed Nick to sit back and relax instead of driving. The day started with a Wild West shoot out by the Cataract Creek Gang. The show lasted about 20 minutes and it really was pretty funny. After the show, we boarded an old train and sat in the Parlor Car. Refreshments were served (yogurt, fresh fruit, pastries, beverages) and there was a cash bar. Being at the end of the train allowed you to go out on the platform which was pretty neat. While out there we met a young couple who were married on Saturday.
We arrived at the south rim of the canyon 2 and a half hours later. We were directed to a bus and took our seats. The bus tour started with lunch at the Maswick Lodge. Again, Nick was satisfied with lunch. They served a buffet and he ate beef tips with mashed red potatoes and rolls. Cake was served for dessert. On to the canyon!
Our first stop at the canyon was at Mojave Point. The vision was amazing. Your breath is just taken away and it's not because of the altitude (well, maybe for some people at 7000 feet). The vastness and the colors in all its splendor cannot be described. From there we rode on to Hopi Point where you get another perspective of the canyon. Down below the Colorado River flows through the canyon. Its width is about the length of a football field but it looks like a speck.
On the way back we met a couple from California in first class seating which Nick and I both felt were more comfortable accommodations. Refreshments were served on the return trip too. This time they consisted of cheese and crackers and veggies and dip and soft drinks. Entertainment was provided. Going to the canyon we listened to a cowboy playing a guitar and a harmonica who sang old western ballads. On the way back to Williams we listened to a cowgirl playing an accordion. Accordions aren't my cup of tea, but it was fun listening for a short period. And this is when it happened.......the train was robbed by none other than the Cataract Creek Gang! They got a dollar off of me alone. Hmmm....times that by 300 people on the train...
Not a bad day's work for train robbers.
It was pretty late when we got back so we went into town for dinner. Nick ate at Poncho McGillicuddy's. He had a burrito which he said was very good. We bought two slices of apple pie from the Pine Country Restaurant for a whopping $10! We're thinking this pie must be pretty special for that kind of money.....yep, real special! They both ended up in the trash can. They were awful!
Wildlife spotted on the train: antelope, wild horses, and plenty of cows.
Wildlife spotted in the canyon: mule deer and a condor.