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Grand Canyon Train Ride HOP Recap

Right from the start we wish to thank Pat and Tammara Dora, the owners of the Railside RV Park in Williams, AZ for the fantastic job they did for us for our HOP. I don’t think they ever slept while we were there. They were always fixing meals for us and waiting on us for whatever we needed and smiling and storytelling and just being wonderful hosts. Now on our side of the event we cannot say enough about our hosts, Dennis and Pat Swann and their co-hosts Len and Sandy Macy. They kept everything running smooth throughout the HOP and our hats go off to them.

Now about the HOP, we had 90 Escapees present and we had a ball. We spent one day exploring the beautiful city and countryside around Sedona, AZ, one of the prettiest cities in America. We spent another day riding the Grand Canyon Railway train up to the Grand Canyon and spent a few hours in awe of the Canyon. If you have ever been there you know why it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is almost impossible to tell anyone about the Canyon because it is indescribable. You have to see it to believe it. We also had a visit one night from the Lowell Observatory for a little star gazing and we had country music from a gentleman who played for us. We had games and door prizes and get togethers and just a whole load of fun. 

Of course before and after all our daily trips we had breakfast and dinners made for us right there by Pat and Tammara.  They also arranged for the “robbers” and “sheriff” from the Grand Canyon Train Ride come and entertain us at the campground.  What an evening that was!!  They were dressed in the old cowboy garb, and they entertained us with a spiel about robbing a bank and then trying to find out where the money went.  Wonderful entertainment!

One of the best features of this event, and any HOP, was all the new friends we met.  Sightseeing with our Escapee family was unlike any other sightseeing we’ve done.  Escapees are the best, making any event extra special. 

We couldn’t have asked for better attendees or hosts.  Thanks to all.

Louise and Bruce Schweichler

HOP Directors