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USS FORRESTAL REUNION TOURS

TOUR #1:  Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure – Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 - $141 per person

 Climb aboard as Verde Canyon Railroad whisks you 20 miles into wilderness country and thousands of years back in time.  The untouched majesty of the Verde Canyon will awaken your pioneer spirit as you shed city life, unwind and embrace pampering . . . railroad style.  Car attendants are at your service, ensuring a memorable experience through their expert knowledge of the Railroad and the history, archaeology, geology, wildlife and Indian lore that is Verde Canyon.   https://verdecanyonrr.com/ 

Your 4hour round-trip journey starts in historic Clarkdale, traveling to the Perkinsville ghost ranch and back.  Captivating panoramic views of two national forests and a designated wilderness area are revealed in every direction; sights that are exclusive from the comfort of our train.  This historical ribbon of rail runs through a protected corridor at the river's edge, lined with towering red rock pinnacles, near ancient Indian ruins, over fortified bridges and through an invigorating 680-foot manmade tunnel carved through solid rock over a century ago. As far as the eye can see, wildlife, high-desert foliage and rugged terrain are visible on this year-round adventure into this lush riparian habitat.  Throughout the trip, the fascinating account of the Railroad and Verde Canyon unfolds thru narration interlaced with a wide genre of popular railroad tunes.  

Verde Canyon Railroad is Arizona's longest-running nature show but this journey is yours. 

 Each car has large panoramic windows and access to an open-air viewing car for 360-degree viewing and lots of fresh canyon air. The train also meets ADA requirements. Throughout the trip, an insightful narration about the four-hour, 40-mile roundtrip is paired with a great selection of classic railroad tunes selected to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes. Access to open-air viewing cars and narration are elite amenities which make our train experience unlike any other. Your first-class passage, accommodating fewer passengers than coach, includes spacious living room-style seating near panoramic windows. Other amenities include a Champagne toast upon boarding, full-service cash-bars presenting premium liquors, service at one’s seat and a variety of complimentary appetizers. More than any other feature, Arizona is defined by canyons. All across the state, these great gorges in the landscape harbor scenery and secrets, and one of the most spectacular is Verde Canyon. 

TOUR #2:  Dolly Steamboat & Goldfield Mining Ghost Town – Friday Oct. 16, 2020 - $60 pp. 

Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lies the spectacular Canyon Lake, home of the Dolly Steamboat. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. You will view the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds on this 2 ½ hour nature cruise. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake (Captain recounts the legends & lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Move about and mingle/talk with the crew. Website https://dollysteamboat.com/

 Tour also includes the Goldfield Ghost Town! Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings, visit the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and Goldfield Museum. You’ll get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! Spend a fun filled time, rich in wild west history! 

Website http://goldfieldghosttown.com/                                                                                                                         You will have lunch on your own at the Mammoth Steakhouse and enjoy either their famous Mammoth burgers or sandwiches and salads along with complimentary sodas, ice tea, lemonade or coffee. You will also love the decor of vintage old west artifacts along with the Old West Stagecoach in the Saloon that is an authentic remnant from the historic town of Tombstone, AZ. Cowboy Dan, the owner, will meet and greet you dressed in his most authentic cowboy attire, six shooter and all!