Verde River Ride November 4th, 1994
– Bill Lindley
November 4 started quite chilly in Sedona, with temperatures dipping towards the 20s. By mid-morning in Clarkdale the temperatures had risen to a more comfortable level (at least to this Phoenix dweller) and my ride on the Verde River Canyon Train began. Starting in Clarkdale, the rail line joins the Verde River and runs alongside it, offering spectacular views of Arizona scenery, birds, animals, and plant life. Ospreys, mergansers, and several eagles were seen on this trip. Other sights included rocks with appropriate names like Elephant and Turtle, as well as caves and American Indian ruins. As the train passed each of these, the crew pointed them out.
The train this morning had eight cars full of people, plus sightseeing gondolas, a gift shop in a converted boxcar, and a power-generator car. There were two first-class parlor cars. All were well filled with passengers enjoying a view of Arizona which is very different from the desert landscape often associated with the state.
Thanks to Rita Gardner and everyone at the Verde River Canyon Excursion Train for a most enjoyable trip.
