Pick me up in Chandler, Mr. Conductor!

by Crystal Coons
Oct 15, 2003

It had been a while since we had left the city for a day of R&R. We both knew that with our workload, things just wouldn't get done if we couldn't take some much needed time away from it all, and come back fresh-minded, and ready to focus. So, we did what seemed natural to two Arizona-fanatics such as ourselves; we took a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

A few months back, I had received a promo pass from a local radio show to take the ride. Boggled down with work, I had never found time to make the trip. This Sunday, however, it was going to be different. Computers, phones and TVs left behind in Phoenix, Mr. Arizona Paths

Arizona Paths	(air-i'-ZON-u' paths)
The Most Complete All-About-Arizona website.

and I make the trek up to Clarkdale to board the train. The drive up was nice and quiet, with only the sound of Phil Collins' latest album, Testify, playing from our car stereo.

We arrived at the station quite early for the one o'clock departure, which suited me quite well; as they had a small gift shop I could occupy myself in for most of the wait. When it was time to board, we got in line quickly and took our table for two in the first class cabin affectionately called "Flagstaff." We quickly noticed that all of the cabins and outdoor viewing areas were named after a city in the state. It was quite clever. Our hostess, Lois, explained the rules and services that were offered during our ride, with her own brand of humor that made the cabin chuckle. Our complimentary drinks were served, and as soon as the train began to move, we sunk back into our lounge chairs and looked out the window at the passing landscape. We were aware that on this trip we might encounter our nation's symbol, the Bald Eagle, which is native to Verde Valley. My husband and I made our way to the outdoor viewing area, and were awestruck, when, off in the distance, a Bald Eagle sat calmly looking over at us from its place in a tree. If nothing else happened, that sighting had made the trip worthwhile.

The train carried on, deeper and deeper into the Canyon, and the voice over the PA system entertained us with stories about the Canyon, the people that lived there and of the state, whilst playing western music that seemed to fit the trip perfectly. The two-hour trip to Perkinsville passed all too quickly, with us traveling back and forth between outdoor and indoor cabins. We decided, however, that the trip back would be spent outdoors. The trip back passed a lot quicker than the trip there. I was amazed at the wildlife that seemed to be at every corner, and began to believe the slogan, "It's not the destination, it's the journey!"

We pulled back into Clarkdale at approximately 5pm. When I made my way down the final step, and back into the train depot, it dawned on me. Not once, during the entire journey, had I thought about my day-to-day stresses, worries and problems.

The Canyon and the train had relieved me of them temporarily. It was much appreciated. Living in Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

definitely has its benefits for us in the business world. There is always somewhere to go to let it all go, and always a Canyon to take it in.