Approaching MP 109.
It got too dark for me to continue
taking photographs. Besides, we were almost to Williams.
Well, not really. It took another 4 hours to get to
Williams. It did become time to eat another box lunch for dinner
and socialize with the other people aboard the Grand Canyon Limited.
I spent a lot of time in the darkness run in the Zimmerman car talking
with my new friends. A whole lot later, we approached the
junction with the Grand Canyon Railway and entered their
trackage. After 2 very long days on this train, it was an honor
to get off.
On my way into the hotel, I
noticed the motor cars.
I
happened to be one of the first
off the train and in line to check in to the Grand Canyon Hotel.
I had already been in my room, dropping off my stuff and then viewed
the lobby from the second floor. I also had forgotten my battery
charger on the train and ran back to get it. The 3751 had already
been taken to the roundhouse about a mile away. Soon after, the
Amtrak locomitives pulled the train away. So, now it's midnight
and our train is slated to leave for the Grand Canyon at 8:15 AM.
To me, that would not be enough time for a good night's sleep.
Everyone was looking forward to this part of the trip. Fortunately,
Thursday was a free day for me. I did not want to be on a
train. What I wanted was to walk around, take a hot tub and be
free. But wait, the whole focus of this trip was still to
come. The trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon was to be one of
the most magnificent days in my railroad riding life.
