Canyons of the Southwest US Vacations by Rail

Bryce Canyon

Our tour of the National Parks of the Southwest sponsored by Vacations by Rail included three different canyons.  We transferred to a bus in Flagstaff and began our two week tour with 33 tourists aboard.  Our first stop was the Grand Canyon which I had seen before, but it is always breathtaking to behold, mainly because of its vastness.

With my friends Pat (in middle) and Gail with the Grand Canyon in the background.

After the Grand Canyon we moved on to Zion National Park.

The Three Patriarchs.  

The tour moved on to Bryce Canyon.  On the way to Bryce Canyon we saw a baby bighorn sheep crossing the road with its mother.

Baby bighorn sheep crossing the road to catch up with its mother. 

Of the three canyons, Bryce Canyon is my favorite.

Riding the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff

Union Station In Chicago.  

On Sunday morning we met the tour group at Union Station in Chicago to board the Southwest Chief Amtrak train for our trip to Flagstaff, Arizona where our tour of the National Parks would begin.

Jennifer, our Vacations by Rail Tour Director. 

Baggage with green tags ready to load on train. 

The Southwest Chief. 

We had several meals on the train.

My travelling companions, Gail on left and Pat. 

Gail in our tiny bedroom on the train.

In New Mexico.  

We arrived in Flagstaff around 10:00 pm Mountain Standard Time six hours late and after being on the train for some thirty plus hours.  Amtrak is certainly not like the Eurail in Europe or Britrail in England, but I'm glad to have made one train trip across the country. 

Gadding About in Chicago

The Bean Sculpture in Chicago. 

I flew to Chicago recently to take the Amtrak from Chicago to Flagstaff, Arizona to begin my trip to the southwest, and I had only a half day there.  I decided if I could see just one thing  I would venture out to Millennium Park to see the Cloud Gate sculpture known as "the Bean".  It is a large stainless steel work of art and is the most photographed attraction in Chicago.  I was not disappointed. 

Arriving at O Hare in Chicago.  

Me in front of The Bean. 

Millennium Park itself is beautiful to see.  

Millennium Park. 

Cannas in the Park. 

Butterfly on milkweed plant in Park. 

Chicago deep dish pizza.  Yum!

I did have a deep dish Chicago Pizza while in the city. 

Laura and Andy's Housewarming Party

Laura and Andy

My grandniece Laura (CeCe and Louie's daughter) and her husband Andy moved into a new house in Lexington where they both teach.  They have spent a lot of time fixing it up, redoing the kitchen cabinets and painting throughout.

The kitchen with the cabinets painted white with black accessories, the walls a pretty blue, and the island in the middle that Andy built. (Photo by CeCe Grigg.)

The dining room with a wall of shelves beside the windows.  Room for lots of pretty books, pottery, baskets, and knickknacks. (Photo by CeCe Grigg.)

On Sunday Aunt Kelly and the family planned a Housewarming Party for them.  It was fun seeing all the family and especially seeing the new baby in the family Lane Snellings.  My grandfather was James Lane and although none of his children were given the name Lane, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and now great, great grandchildren have been named Lane There's my sister Martha Lane, cousins Steven Lane, Thomas Lane,  my son Patrick Lane, my niece Kelly Lane, Kelly's daughter Allyson Lane, a cousin Lani, and now Lane. Lane is actually a great, great, great grandchild.

Lane Snellings

Grandmother Kelly and Lane

CeCe and Titan, Laura and Andy's puppy.

Lane's big sister Leila.

Leila's pretty sparkling blue eyes and blond curls.  She's beautiful. 

Titan.  

It was especially nice to see Lane who has grown a lot since I last saw him about a month ago.  Family gatherings are so much fun.  And here's hoping that Laura and Andy will have lots of joy and laughter in their new house.

Gadding About at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte

The Spectrum Center home of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team. 

On Monday my sister Martha, my nieces CeCe and Kelly, and my friend Pam and I toured the Spectrum Center in Charlotte where the Charlotte Hornets play NBA basketball.  I have season's tickets this year, where Devonte Graham from Raleigh will be playing for the Hornets.

Left to right:  Ade, Kelly CeCe, Pam and Martha.  

When we arrived we were met out front by Ade who took us through the whole Center where we were the only visitors.  I was happy to see where my seats will be, and I think I have a great vantage point for the games.

My sister and I in my seats. (Photo by CeCe Grigg.)

View of the court from my seats. 

It was exciting to see Michael Jordan's locker and his special suite for watching the games.  Devonte's already featured on a screen within the Center.

Michael Jordan's locker. (Photo by Martha Cabaniss.)

Devonte Grahm on screen at Center. (Photo by CeCe Grigg)

Ade directed us down the street from the Center where we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Queen CityQ.

Queen City Q in Charlotte.  

I had a pulled pork slider with mac and cheese.  Both were very good. 

I can hardly wait for basketball season to start. I'll be spending a lot of time in Charlotte this fall and winter.

p.s. When I arrived I was given this little Hugo the Hornet bobble head.