Durango&Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Finally had my chance to 'ride the rails' on June 6th. Had to leave Cortez VERY early. There was planned resurfacing of the hwy, beginning at 7AM, from the Durango end, so I planned to leave by 6AM--but I was excited and woke early, so left at 5:30! Beautiful sunrise drive over the mtns and McDonald's at the Durango end for breakfast, sooo--- We couldn't board the train until 7:45AM(departure 8:15)so I wandered, took pics and talked to people--big surprise, right?--but lots of good shots of the train and station.

The trip was an all day event--3.5 hours each way with a 2 hour 'tourist time' in Silverton( for those of us going back to Durango) so we got back to Durango at 5:30. Very long day that had started at 4AM, for me, and I still had the drive back! But a truly unforgetable experience--would recommend it to anyone planning to be in the area with a day to allow for it.

Of course the engine managed to be just going around the curve most times I had my camera ready to shoot, or I was looking down at the river when I should have been looking up at the engine. Fortunately there were LOTS of curves and I did get a few shots--not up to postcard quality but just fine for me.

I'll post my memories. ENJOY