And so, the final chapter. One of my goals in writing this was to do the trip justice, about half-way through; I realized that just wasn’t possible. For every word written, there seemed to be ten emotions, feelings or memories. That, times the 50+ people on board and, well, you get the point.
I can honestly say, that this was one of the few (the only, that easily comes to mind) experiences that I can remember, that I did not hear one negative world spoken while it was taking place. Not one, from anyone. 50+ people, 5 days, only good words, vibes and memories, that my friends just ain’t normal. And how I wish it was.
The final full day started with an early breakfast and a warning to expect a cold and windy day at the Grand Canyon. Due to this, and to protect Karin’s voice, she and Linford decided to pass on the trip, as much as they wanted to go. On the hour plus ride to the canyon, after much good conversation, we received a revised weather forecast, seemed that it had warmed up a bit and the wind died down. Shortly after that good news, I received a text from Karin saying that they were really regretting not going, and that, if they could get a rental car before 11:00am, they were going to head out and would meet us there. Fortunately, they did make it!
As we entered the park, we were given maps and Jennifer, Michael & Marilyn, Nick and I decided that we would have lunch first, then wander around together. On the bus and as we ate, we planned our hiking route. We chose a scenic trip around the west rim of the canyon, due to the 7 mile (each way) distance, we walked the most scenic parts and took the shuttle in between them. Most of us were hoping to also get a few good photographs too.
This was my first trip to the Grand Canyon, I expected it to be huge, my only reference points being the times that I had flown over it. My only reference points were flying over it at 30,000 feet for what seemed to be 15-20 minutes at 400+ MPH, so it had to be massive, right? It is such a miraculous, beautiful freak of nature. From the ground, it is so huge, it’s even harder to put in perspective.
Along the way, we met up with Mark, a geologist by trade (on the trip from the UK) and he was adding some background details, at one point, pointing to a layer of rocks about a third of the way down, saying…that’s about 1.8 billion years old, billion, with a B! That kind of puts our existance on this planet in perspective, no?
Another thing that impressed and struck me was the care and respect that the parks service had with the canyon. I was amazed how much was left “natural,” that you could walk right up, dangerously close, to the edge. In fact, parts were kind of scary, in a good way.
Along the way, we ran across and spent time with others from the train, and at one point (one of my favorite moments) a woman with 4 young girls in bright pink parkas approached Michael (Wilson) and asked him if he would take their picture. He said “yes” and she handed him her little point and shoot. He took care and time in posing them, snapped a couple of pics and handed the camera back to her. Little did this woman know that she and her girls had just had their picture taken by one of the best working photographers in the world. It was such a wonderful moment for the few of us that stood there and observed it with a smile.
We hit the ends of the trail, hung out with and shared hot chocolates with Molly, Grafton and Mickey, then headed back to the lodge to meet up with our fellow travelers.
We boarded the bus and headed back to Winslow as the sun was setting to our right, there was a deep, meaningful and introspective conversation with a new friend and wonderful person most of the way back. As Karin said earlier, “there was a lot of healing going on…” And I feel grateful for that time to listen, share and hopefully help.
We got back to the La Posada, had an hour or two to have some appetizers, more socializing before we gathered our luggage and wait to board. As the dark settled in we all walked out to the track and waited to see the headlight come out of the horizon, and soon it did. It was a beautiful thing to see.
We all went our separate ways, finding our way to our cars and settling back in. But, it didn’t take long and in little time, the club car started filling up and the party started. While it was lively and fun, it was bittersweet, we all knew that we would wake up in the morning in LA, the great adventure that started last Friday evening would end. That we would all grab our luggage, hail a cab, hit the airport and head back to our own corner of the world.
Many of us stood on the platform at Union Station, talking, hugging and trying to extend those last few minutes as long as possible. In reality, we did part, yet spiritually, I hope we never leave that place.
As I said in the opening paragraph, I wish I had some prolific words to end this diary with, to do this whole experience justice, yet, all I have is…
Yes, there was a lot of healing happening, along with a healthy dose of redemption, sharing, laughter and pure joy. Bonds were formed and lasting, lifelong friendships made… and maybe that’s enough, prolific acts are far stonger than prolific words.
From where I sit, I sure can’t think of anything better.
Yeah, we’re gonna be alright.
lucy, molly, bill
nick’s fauxhawk
michael (by karin-with my camera)
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“Roots on the Rails” conducts about four of these trips a year featuring different routes and musicians. They are now in the initial stages of planning another trip with OtR, possibly for next September.
Contact Sarah or Charlie @ (and PLEASE tell them that you were referred by Bill Ivester and read about it here)
Roots on the Rail: http://www.rootsontherails.com/
Roots on the Rail (Facebook): http://www.facebook.com/search.php?q=roots%20on%20the%20rails&init=quick&tas=0.6926599160176896#!/group.php?gid=9411601292
what we need is music 