Ancient cliff dweling

The beautiful Verde River canyon

Richard & Kim Conant and his father Russell

Wed, 6/17/09:

Sedona, AZ: We had a relaxing morning and then headed to Clarkdale around 11:00. We decided to make a reservation on the Verde Canyon Railroad which goes from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back. The route followed the beautiful Verde River in a deep canyon into a beautiful wilderness area. The lush area around the Verde River was in sharp contrast to the stark beauty of the desert bluffs and mountains. We made reservations in the first class coach so we had complimentary champagne and quite a spread of snacks and sandwiches. The first class car had comfortable couches and tables so it was very comfortable. And there was a flatcar next to our car where we could go outside—which was where we spent most of the trip up. Seated across from us was a couple from Columbia, SC, and his father, Russell, who is 95! Russell lives in Sun City—just outside Phoenix. He still lives by himself and is as sharp as a tack. We enjoyed talking with them. Dr. Richard Connant is a bass-barritone soloist who performs all over the world. He’s performed for 3 presidents and various other dignitaries from all over the world and has even performed at Carnegie Hall in NYC. He also works with the FBI in Columbia. His wife, Kim, is a pediatric nurse in Columbia. I talked him into singing for us. He sang “Old Man River” and “Some Enchanted Evening”. We meet the most interesting people. After the trip (4 hours) we went grocery shopping (ugh) and then back home. Have to leave early tomorrow to take the truck with fifth-wheel in tow to the GMC dealer. That should be fun.