Considering the fact that the steam program was canceled at one point, yet scheduled this year after a few "special" runs the year before, the statement is true. Steam is back, albeit limited.

I'm not sure what Xantera thinks about steam - they could've said no to the opportunity to run the charter but didn't. The crew that will be running the steamer seemed more then pleased and eager to run the charter.

THE MAIN POINT IS: If we want to see steam engines continue to run at the Grand Canyon, we must show Xantera that there is a practical reason to keep them in service. Letters are great but in the end, if there is no loss of business without steam, or if steam is ran but not well patronized, then we have only ourselves to blame.

As for the charter - we could use a few more patrons to make it a go. A successful charter would open the door for future events in kind. Sure, you can chase and photograph the others, specifically the two Grand Canyon runs and I hope some make it a point to do so (and pay for a ticket as well). However, if you want photos at sunrise, sunset, night and without the "extra" advertising (Phone number and Internet address, ect.,), the charter is the way to go, all the while supporting the steam program at the same time.

/Mitch