Going West with Ann and Fern: Durango to Silverton Railroad

Engineer preparing for our trip

The Rails curves so we could see both ends at the same time

We had a perfect day for our planned trip on the narrow gauge railroad from Durango to Silverton Colorado. The steam engine was complete with soot and cinders that I remember from childhood trips to the Poughkeepsie Station. The train climbed it s way through the canyon with the Animas River far below. We were really on the edge.

The round trip was about seven hours of clickety clack. Silverton is an old mining town that is picturesque and depends on the passengers from this train for its economic survival. We helped out by having lunch and later ice cream.

On the ride back, the train stopped to let off two young hikers who were loaded down with their equipment for surviving the wilderness. We also met a couple from Colorado who were taking the ride for the first time. We enjoyed meeting these locals and getting their take on their state. We were reassured that Rocky Mountain National Park would be definitely worth the trip before we head our car toward the East.