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On Santa's annual sojourn away from the North Pole, his favorite pastimes are listening to children's gift wishes and satisfying his passion for vintage trains. Lucky for us his December schedule prior to Christmas includes Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday afternoons riding the rails of the Verde Canyon Railroad's Santa Claus Express. Eagle-decorated FP7 engines pull coaches filled with gleeful passengers away from the station at 1 p.m., for a round trip through the wonderland of Verde Canyon to the old Perkinsville Ranch, returning at about 5 p.m.
Santa excitedly fills two seats with his ample girth and invites the children to gather round his magic story book for 'Twas the Night Before Christmas...' Mrs. Claus doles out scrumptious cookies to all, and Elfie tags behind with milk and hot chocolate. Beer, wine and cocktails are available for the big kids.
Outside the panoramic windows of the comfortable, climate-controlled coaches, the breathtaking splendor of crimson cliffs and brilliant blue sky passes by. From lofty trestle bridges the shimmering Verde River is seen snaking along the valley floor. Deer, elk and javelina emerge from the forest of cottonwoods and sycamores to quench their thirst and Great Blue Heron cruise along its emerald waters.
As nature's extravaganza unfolds in the canyon, the train's narrator enriches the experience with historical, archaeological, geological, and wildlife facts. Young and old alike take to the open-air viewing cars as attendants point out the sizable nest perched precariously on a canyon wall. Everyone wants to know if Black and Decker, one of the resident bald eagle couples, are at home.
Eagle Watch will soon be underway as many annually returning bald and golden eagles join the locals and a variety of other migratory birds and waterfowl already comfortably ensconced within the rugged canyon walls. The canyon, a riparian sanctuary ideally situated below the cold of the mountains, offers a wealth of food and mild winters.
The North Pole's celebrity trio returns for a rousing sing-a-long of "Jingle Bells" as the train winds its way deeper into the scenic chasm. Around each bend passengers shout "turtle," "elephant" and "angel," as a series of sandstone shapes formed by nature's artistry appears in the rugged cliffs along the route.
Join Santa, the king of merriment, his better half, Mrs. Claus, and Elfie as they sweep you away from the bustling city into a magical family get-a-away steeped in nature's spectacular wilderness vistas. Santa and his elf ride the train every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday in December right up to Christmas.
After the train ride, head to the Blazin' M Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner Show in nearby Cottonwood, and I'd bet my last nickel Christmas cheer will abound. The Verde Canyon Railroad depot is located at 300 N. Broadway in Clarkdale, 25 minutes from Sedona, two hours north of Phoenix, and 90 minutes south of Flagstaff. Passengers are encouraged to arrive approximately one and one-half hours prior to departure.
For convenience reserve your Verde Canyon Railroad trip and Blazin' M Ranch experience at the same time by calling 1-800-293-7245 or book on-line at www.verdecanyonrr.com.
It's not the destination, it's the journey!
When: 1:00 PM
Where: erde Canyon Railroad Depot, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale
Phone: 800-293-7245
Contact: www.verdecanyonrr.com
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