Back on Route 66 (Arizona)

Yesterday was wonderful. I got to spend the morning with my good friends Beth & Anthony Tripp in Boulder City, NV (just a short jump from Vegas). We spent the morning catching up over coffee and then set out to see Boulder City. They took me to the park to see the Big Horn Sheep that come down to graze in the green grass. Then we drove by the pirate house and the local Episcopal Church and the National Cemetery. 






It was wonderful to spend time with them. Beth and I have been friends since High School. We met (along with Susan Bastin who I caught up with in McKinney, TX) at a Campground in Northern California in 1983. The last time we connected was 2017 when I came through on my Sabbatical. This time we were able to spend more time before I left to pick up Rt. 66 in Kingman, AZ and ride to Williams, AZ.


The ride to Williams, AZ was cooler than crossing the Mojave, but I still rode part of the hot desert. My cousins were telling me about the Grand Canyon Railway that goes from Williams to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon. So today I stayed in Williams (skipped church) and went on the Train to the Grand Canyon to bask in the wonders of God’s creation. 


Needless to say, it was breathtaking. I missed the Grand Canyon in 2017, so I wanted to be sure that I made it this time. Truly a geological wonder and a display of the beauty and awe of creation. The smoke you see in the background (on the northern rim) are the devastating fires that destroyed the historic lodge, visitor’s center and 50 other structures. It continues to burn. The trip back and forth to the Grand Canyon was very enjoyable. There was entertainment on the train. I helped an English Couple navigate the shuttle busses from the train to the different points along the rim. On the way back to Williams, the train was mock “robbed” by some actors. All in good fun. 

What struck me the last couple days is the diversity of life and landscape. I went from High desert with long horn sheep to mountain scapes to flat area to rolling hills to a large hole in the ground dug by a river. (You can see the rapids in one of the pictures). 

In Psalm 95:1-7 which we read in Morning Prayer as the Venite reminds us that it ALL belongs to God. Verse 5 says, “The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands have molded the dry land.” It’s is amazing to think that all the vast wonder that I have experienced the past couple of days was molded by the Creator. The sheep, the land, the mountains, the lake, all made by God.

Challenge to St. James & Self: Look for the wonder and beauty of creation. Much of it can be found in your back yard. Respect and appreciate what God has given you. By honoring creation, you honor the creator.



 

Location: Williams, AZ 86046, USA

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