In October I dropped the ball on my travel posts. At that time, I shared with you the walking tour I took of historic downtown Durango, and now I'll share with you our train trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway,
First off, let me just say, my kids hated it. We could have driven to Silverton within an hour, whereas the train ride took several and was rather expensive. We were in the first open air gondola which was a big mistake as we were pelted with soot from the engine the entire time. Plus, our trip just happened to be the very day of the World Cup Soccer Finals which my oldest son was none too happy about since he had watched the entire games up until that point.
The railroad was constructed in 1882 to transport silver and gold from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers realized the remarkable views were well worth the trip, too. My teenage boys would disagree with that, but who can argue with this:
Pretty spectacular. I do wonder about the environmental impact of all that smoke and steam from the engine though.
Silverton itself is a very small town.
We didn't get to explore as we were racing around trying to find a restaurant with a tv (no easy feat) so my oldest could watch the finals. And by the time we were finished, it was time to board the bus back to Durango.
(Thank goodness I hadn't chosen the train for the return trip or I never would have heard the end of it.)
On the way, we came across this little girl selling things she had made.
I have a wallhanging of "Life's Little Instructions" that says: Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards" so I did.
So, that's the tale of the train trip. I thought it would be a good experience; my kids want to forget it ever happened.
Oh well.
Happy Saturday!
28 comments:
Tammy, thanks for sharing your experience! I always wanted to ride that train when I lived in CO, but never managed it. Now I've *almost* ridden that train, and if I ever do have the opportunity, I'll remember your words about the soot when choosing my seat!
Alright... I had this big long, rambling comment and it just disappeared so I'm keeping it short! LOL! I had to laugh at how mothers and grandmother plan, plan, plan for the perfect family outings... and more times than not, it doesn't turn out like we had imagined! Those special memory making moments turn into grumbling memories. ;) I would have LOVED the train ride with you! ;) Still chuckling... t.
It certainly gets challenging to keep everyone happy on a trip when teenagers are involved! I loved the last bit with the little girl selling things! So sweet. Wishing you and your family all the best in the new year.
Well it LOOKS beautiful! I've been on trips that I couldn't wait to get home from myself. Last spring break in Chicago comes to mind but we still laugh about that nightmare of a trip so I guess that makes it worth the price of admission?!
Ha, that's how it is with kids sometimes, though I think it's different with girls. Sarah seems to always enjoy everything we do, right on through her teen years and she's 19 now and still enjoys our travels and adventures. I'm sure we would have both loved the train ride for the views - beautiful!
the views are gorgeous-but what do parents know-lol
when one is exploring a new area I think it was good of you to choose this historic train ride-it will be remembered-hugs
Loved reading your post..I always think of the Cat Steven's song, " Cats in the Cradle" one day they will want to be with there kids and the kids will have a different plan..such is life, isn't it? glad you made the journey..I hope you have a good week back at school.
Xo
Dagmar
It sounds like something that would happen at my house with my family. I feel I am constantly gritting my teeth while telling my family we are going to have fun at dinner, or the movies, or a trip.....
I get it!
Hugs,
Meredith
Lovely to see the pictures Tammy.Sometimes teens are so hard to please :))
Dearest Tammy ,your experience was a little bit difficult ,but I think worth it .You saw all these lovely places and the trains goes at places where the cars dosn't goes . I wish this year you travel at places you love .Happy New Year !
That was a beautiful trip Tammy. I have been on trips with our kids that they fought and argued about too so I can sympathize with you. But...that view. It's spectacular. How sweet of you to buy from that little girl. You have such a good heart.
Blessings,
Betsy
Beautiful views on your train trip....shame about the soot though! I love the quote about always buying from children selling things...how sweet that little girl was, and I will remember the quote in future :)
Happy New Year, Tammy!
Helen xox
It looks like fun to me, and as you noted, the view is spectacular!
That's kiddos for sure. Becomes different as they get older. We were in Durango in September and loved it. What a darling little town. You're photos from the train are amazing.
oh dear, how sad, I love that part of CO... wishing you all a very Happy New Year! xoxox
Well.. sorry the boys didn't enjoy the trip, but I sure did enjoy your photos of it! It reminds me of our train trips up Mt. Hood. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Hi Dear Tammy. I, too, have learned that what I thought would be wonderful for my kids, they didn't. So be it. Such is life. Now I just find things for "moi."
Your photos are wonderful. Susan
I have always wanted to go to Durango and take that train. Maybe I should rethink that, hah.
Ahhh it reminds me of my teenage sons who seemed to be miserable the whole time we were at Disney World in Florida. However, when we got home I overheard my youngest son tell a friend what a cool time he had! xx
Dearest Tammy,
Oh my, aside from the soot experience, which should NOT happen if they keep things well maintained and running smooth, the views were spectacular!
But if teenage boys set their egoistic mind on watching the World Cup; you can show them heaven and they would not want to acknowledge it.
SAD as this was a piece of nature with a great history attached as well.
So please do keep the fond memories and as with that girl, one wonders WHY she needs to sell things. There's always a story to it... you were kind however!
Sending you hugs and hope someone is HAPPY today!
Mariette
Oh I love that you buy from little kids who are being entrepreneurs...I do too. Sorry about the train trip vs soccer finals and teenage boys. The views are spectacular.
My goodness~! Beautiful pictures, looks like a kind of dream,thanks for sharing, i love the train, en view...loves from holland
What a fun trip. That's the kind of train I'd like to ride. When I visited my sister I took Amtrak. Fast but not scenic.
I have a lifes little instruction book that says to buy lemonade that children are selling in their front yards - similar thing! A great idea too. It looks as though the trip was great and you had some beautiful scenery, I bet that you son would have enjoyed it a lot more if it hadn't been the big soccer day! I am glad that you enjoyed it! xx
Happy New Year my beautiful friend--
I had to laugh-- sometimes our kids just don't "get it" --,do they?? Your photos are wonderful--,I'd be all over that train ride. So glad you found a restaurant with a TV-- that could have made for an unhappy ending!!
Love
Vicki
Sounds like quite an experience. At least you did it and got to see some of the spectacular views. We drove from Durango to Silverton a few years ago and the scenery was spectacular. And, now, after hearing about all the soot and exhaust from the train, I'm glad we drove. Plus, we had all the time we wanted to explore Silverton and make stops along the way. It's a cute town with some fun shops.
Well, I loved it and I would have given anything to go on it! Nature vs t.v. anything....no contest...nature will always win!
Thank for sharing!
It is a wonderful train ride, somewhat slow and long as I remember, but a lovely experience. Rob was about 4 then so must have been 16 years ago.
Enjoyed your post.
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