God Makes Springs Pour Water Into The Ravines

During our stay in Sedona, Arizona, Brian and I rode the Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back.

The wilderness train was powered by two FP7 locomotives, two out of only ten that remain in North America.

The trip was a beautiful four-hour journey through time that started from the old mining town of Clarkdale.

The tracks follow the Upper Verde River, which is one of the largest rivers in Arizona, created by God to supply water for the people and wildlife of the dry, hot desert.

"He makes springs pour water into the ravines;

it flows between the mountains."

Psalm 104:10 (NIV)

We soon passed crimson pinnacles. The one below is known as "Mama Coyote and Her Cubs."

This one is the "Turtle."

We also saw more ancient Indian cliff dwellings dating back to 600 BC. The Sinagua Indians must have been excellent climbers with no fear of heights. However, they are, like all of us, a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

"You are a mist that appears

for a little while

and then vanishes."

James 4:14b (NIV)

Two hours later, the train stopped at a ghost ranch called Perkinsville. This ranch was the filming location for several scenes in the 1962 movie "How the West was Won," which stars many famous actors and actresses, including Gregory Peck, Debbie Reynolds, James Stewart, and John Wayne.

Finally, it was time for the train to go back to Clarkdale, and for us to enjoy the beauty and history of the trip once more, but this time with only music and no narration.