Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

We arrive in Durango and find cheap accommodations at the Fairgrounds.  Pretty much a small dirt parking lot, but it is quiet and safe and has water and electric and is only $16 / night.

We just happened to go into the Recreation Center next door to use the bathrooms and discover they have a huge pool area and it can be used along with the showers we need for $4.50 each.

That little pool is a really strong whirlpool.  The Circle around it is also a whirlpool, you just get pulled along.  There is a hot tub, splash pool, several lap pools and a slide.  They were even doing scuba lessons.

I finally get to take the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad!  It doesn't go to Silverton this time of year but does a 5 hour round trip ride to Cascade Canyon.

The Depot was constructed in January 1882 and has been preserved in its original form.

Waiting for the train

Time to board!

The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark. It has run continuously since 1882

All Aboard!

 

The conductor comes through to check tickets

Oh Good!  I have one!  Man if I new I was going back to yesterday, I would have bought a lottery ticket!

 

We pass through a few crossings in town

and amble by some bucolic scenes

We climb up above the Animas River

and pass through Rockwood

The engine steams along - it is coal fired.

We work our way up the mountain. 

Looks like some working on the railroad

Gary went to check out the snack car

Tank Creek is where they fill up on more water so we have enough steam to get to our destination and back

Looks like they won't run out any too soon


At times the railroad comes pretty close to the rocks.

At the end of the line, we get out for a picnic lunch and a short hike to the Animas River Footbridge

Made it

You can see the difference in the color of the water coming from the right coming from where a dam or levy had let loose, while the clear water was from another branch coming in.

Tourist shot

and back we go

There was one open car which was nice when it warmed up a bit.

 Got a good view going across this bridge.  Hang on to your camera!

Crossing between cars is fun too

 It's a fairly long train, didn't count the cars

Coming back into town

Hats off to a great train ride!