The word Verde is Spanish for green. While this part of Arizona is mostly a desert, the Verde River provides enough moisture for an abundance of vegetation. The canyon provides shelter from extreme temperatures. Hence, the names, Verde Canyon and Verde River.
The Verde Canyon Railroad was originally created to support the copper mines in Jerome, Arizona. Now the section of the railroad between Clarksdale and Perkinsville is an excursion rail service.
The train travelled at 10 miles an hour giving us ample time to admire and photograph the scenery. It is said that there is a year-around family of bald eagles in the canyon near the railway. I did not see them. However, there was enough outstanding scenery to keep me happy.
The long train included open air cars for viewing and photography.
The Verde River was quite far below the train here. The leaves on the trees were
beginning to show their fall colors.
The Verde River again
Bill rode facing backward. The view was just as good.
They detached the engine from one end of the train and moved it to the other end. We then went back down the canyon.
Bill used his cell phone to take this picture of me waiting for a good shot of the
engine moving to the other end of the train.
The train engine shortly before it attached to the train.
Trees in Fall color
