The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the premier excursion railroads in the US, a celebrity if you will. They work hard at keeping that reputation and certainly deserve it. The only thing in the whole setup that might improve their operation would be to move Silverton a little closer to Durango. The seven hour round trip is a little bit too long for some. Of course you always have the option to take the bus back which shortens the day but you have to decide that when you make your reservation. Another thing to remember is that narrow gauge cars have narrow gauge seats and todays wide gauge folks don't fit too well.
All that said, it was a great trip. Luckily I checked the weather in Silverton before I left and found the high was to be about 43. I dressed warmly and was comfortable even though it SNOWED most of the time we were in Silverton. Not a serious snow, no accumulation, but unusual even for there in June. There were times when I couldn't identify a source for the snow (like no clouds) and there is a chance it was actually old snow being blown off of the nearby snowcapped peaks. Who knows.
BTW, the same company that operates the Durango and Silverton also operates the Great Smoky Mountain Railway in North Carolina. If things go as it appears they will, this company will soon take over the operation of the Texas State Railroad in Rusk/Palestine. It will be quite interesting to see what the results will be.
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| Durango and Silverton |
1 comment:
In 1994, my sister Roberta and I took our mother on this little ride--I seem to remember having margaritas on that trip. Your photos at Picasa were great. (Also liked the ones of Firey Furnace. Wow.)
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