Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix!

The MIM is an amazing place.  I just scratched the surface of its unbelievable exhibits. They have instruments and recordings from some of the most influential artists throughout history.  They even have a room where you can play some instruments yourself.  I saw an incredible collection of eclectic and innovative instruments from around the world. It includes a 2 ton dance organ called Apollonia from the 1920s that is played twice a day and John Lennon’s Piano used to compose Imagine.  Here are just a few of the images I collected.

be3n bangs a gongMIM blues harmonica collectionMIM 3D printed orchestra MIM accordionsMIM ukuleles
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Ride though the forest on the steam locomotive Dixiana!

Departing from Roaring Camp to the summit of Bear Mountain, this was one of the most amazing train rides I have been on.  Certainly the most picturesque just beside Henry Cowell Redwood State Park.

Big Trees - Dixana be3n animation

This railroad has the distinction of having the steepest grade in North America!  The 9.25% grade didn’t seem so extreme when we rode it, however it did require the train to switch back and reverse direction in order to complete the journey.  I got a real education from the Brakeman on how a steam locomotive operates.  Enjoy my photographs.

Big Trees

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