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Please click here for – Part One
Durango & The Train
We arrived in Durango early afternoon. We were hammered with rain almost the entire drive. At least Durango was dry – for the time being. We were excited because my oldest brother, and his wife, Tom & Kathie, drove over from their home in Colorado Springs to see us. An intense thunderstorm right over downtown sent us into Tom’s favorite brew pub in Durango for an early dinner.
The next morning was gloriously clear. We all met back downtown to spend the day together.
After checking out the Saturday morning farmers market, we walked up Main Street to the Visitors Center. It is an excellent stop for information about this western town and was comfortable inside. The ladies spoke with a young man about short hikes accessible from downtown. The Lady turned and asked me across the room what I would like to see. I pointed to a large photo on the wall and said, “Saloon girls!”
A hike won out over my suggestion and we walked up to the rim trail and Fort Lewis College overlooking Durango. It was a great spot for family photos.
There was a set of chimes at the overlook so my companions enjoyed a musical interlude.
There were two options to return to downtown Durango, the direct route, stairs……
We took the switch backing trail. It was a great morning for a walk and to be outdoors.
2nd Street was closed off for a large Art Fair. I, very much, liked this fellow’s detailed pencil drawings. As I stopped and shot this photo, about a dozen people moved in to chat with the artist. I did not get the chance to speak with him. I expect many of you will recognize the Yosemite Valley view of Yosemite Falls.
Our final stop was the Durango Train Station and the excellent museum.
Out in the railyard was Galloping Goose #5.
The “Galloping Geese” were a fleet of “motors” used to carry the U.S. Mail and
small freight loads on the Rio Grande Southern line that were more
economical than the large steam trains. They allowed the railroad to keep the U.S. Mail contact for several more years.
Saturday evening, we enjoyed a farewell dinner with Tom & Kathie and then said our goodbyes. It was sure wonderful seeing you two!
We were back early the next morning to board our train.
The Narrow Gauge Railroad runs between Durango and Silverton via the Animas River Canyon, an astounding excursion in the Rocky Mountains. The boarding procedure is very well run.
We probably should not have been surprised there were many passengers in period costumes, including Buffalo Soldiers.
As I was busy with photography, Julie was chatting with folks associated with running the train. She met Chad, who she really liked. He grew up in Durango and now has a career with the Narrow Gauge. She returned with a wealth of information, such as our steam engine, Number 476, was built in 1923 and is celebrating its 100th birthday. Only a few years ago it was converted from burning coal to burning oil. The Lady shared these facts with me as old 476 backed into place.
Our seats were in the open-air Rio Grande car near the end of the train.
The oiler completed his inspection.
The brakeman was a young man who joined the railroad just four months ago.
If someone yelled, “All aboard!” I believe I missed it.
But we were soon rolling down the tracks.
An extra car was added to our train, right behind ours. It was rented by a large private party, all in period costumes. They were spending the night in Silverton and returning to Durango the next day. Food and drink for their car was catered. Chad was seeing to all their needs. Occasionally Chad would let the Lady in on how things were going in the party car, such as, “It’s ten in the morning and time for shots!”
A small diesel engine, part of the fleet, was idling in the first siding we passed.
One of the highlights of the trip is the Animas River Gorge. The brakeman was back with us. He would whisper to me, “Here comes your money shot.”
The train crosses to the east side of the Animas River.
On the 45-mile route, the train stops twice for water.
We continued up the Animas River to Silverton.
After three and a half hours, we arrived in the old mining boom town of Silverton.
The narrow gauge train is a mainstay in Silverton’s economic health.
Although there are restrooms on board the train, finding a bathroom is the first item on passengers’ lists upon arrival in town. We consulted the large directory sign near the train. There were two, one east on Blair St. and one west on Blair. We could not find them. The businesses all were signed, “Restrooms for Customers Only.” With relief, we finally found an alcove in the storefronts with restrooms. I photographed this sign inside the Men’s room.
The Lady asked, “Did you see the sign?”
“Yes,” I answered. I even took a photo.”
Silverton is exactly what you should expect in a mountain town devoted to tourism. It certainly celebrates the old days of prostitution and brothels. And, I hoped, saloon girls too.
But there is also much stately grandeur to the old town.
We had time for a leisurely early afternoon meal. That earned us use of the establishment’s restrooms and we did not pass up the opportunity. Afterward, we walked and took in the sights.
Town Hall
The old San Juan County Courthouse
Downtown
If you look close in the photo above, a small red light has been cable tied to the elk’s nose. Silverton is ready for the holidays.
We did not want to miss our train back to Durango.
The engineer was busy in the engine but when he saw me with a camera, he knew exactly what to do.
Around 1530 hrs we were rolling back down the Animas River and said goodbye to Silverton.
That cell tower just does not fit, does it? Never saw any saloon girls either.
The brakeman filled the Lady in on the meanings of the hat signals up to the engineer.
One of the water stops on our return trip. The engineer did the work.
It was back across the Animas and on to the gorge.
I should point out we could not get reservations for a train ride on the day of our anniversary. But that was just fine. This made for a great celebration. And best of all, the Lady was thrilled.
Our adventure was far, far from over. We had high Colorado mountains and lots of Utah sandstone ahead for us. It was our 40th, we were not done celebrating.
Our adventure continues. Please click here for - Part Three.
Congrats on all counts!
ReplyDeleteThanks Andy!
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