One of my favorite Christmas memories involves a ten year old Hopi boy came under my watch-care as part of a “grandfather/grandmother” program. Sort of like a Big Brother/Sister program but the volunteers are MUCH older!
On this particular Christmas holiday, Mason and I were on our way to the Grand Canyon after an overnight stay in Williams, AZ. We had gone on the Polar Express train ride the evening before and Mason’s excitement was still in high gear.
I asked Mason:
What is the farthest south that he had ever travelled?….. Phoenix to the zoo on a school trip
The farthest west?…..To Williams to catch the train
The farthest east?…..To Gallup, NM, to visit his grandparents
The farthest north?….The NORTH POLE!!!
A true believer! He believed that he had ridden the Polar Express the night before to the REAL North Pole!! To share that experience with a child is a treasure to keep tucked in your heart forever.
This year marks the 19th year that is the Grand Canyon Railways has offered the magical trip to the North Pole via the Polar Express. Before boarding the train, Mrs Santa is found assisting young travelers with their letters to Santa Claus as well as offering snacks and crafts. The train ride brings the book POLAR EXPRESS , by Christian Van Allsburg, to life. Call 800-THE TRAIN for details and reservations. Wear Pajamas!!
There is much more to see and do in Williams before or after your visit to the Grand Canyon. The deer farm is just 8 miles east of Williams with plenty of interaction with deer and other critters to feed and pet. (928-635-4073). There is also the Santa/Rudolf zip line that is child and family safe just a block away from the railroad station
About the Author
Joy taught environmental sciences at Southern Vermont College and became active in outdoor land use. Joy now lives ‘off-the-grid’ near the Grand Canyon on an acreage with solar power, and hauls water for her own needs and for her struggling raised-bed desert garden, dogs, cat, chickens, and Garrett-the-goose. Joy has rafted the Colorado River from Moab to Lake Mead, hiked many of the trails, and stayed at Phantom Ranch several times either by hiking or by mule. Learning and reading is her passion, and she is constantly learning more about the Grand Canyon.
Joy is well traveled but never found a place that was more well suited for her than the Grand Canyon. This is her home. Stop in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX and allow her to share her home with you.
https://pixabay.com/en/fresh-water-beer-colorado-river-263777/