Come on, ride the train: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad...

Trevor and I have only ridden the narrow gauge railroad once before back in 2008 - the day after Trevor proposed up at Ice Lakes. But it always seems like the thing to do when you have visitors that have never been to Durango and/or Silverton. The ride typically lasts somewhere around three and a half hours, so in my opinion, there is little reason to ride it both ways (especially if you have young children). That said, many people do and love it. I just have the attention span of a gnat.

Personally, I've only ever rode from Silverton to Durango. This allows you to sleep in, head to Silverton by car or bus, eat lunch, and grab a beer or a mixed rummy beverage from the local distillery. Unless, of course, you are knocked up. Then you will just watch everyone else down shots and tasty adult yumminess while sitting in the corner reading a 62 page children's book. And, yes, I am typing that from experience.

The other perk to riding from Silverton to Durango is that you have approximately two hours to nap and/or sleep off the adult beverages before reaching the Animas Gorge. If the weather is cooperating (i.e. not raining or too chilly), any would be photographers will enjoy having the semi unrestricted view from the train's gondola car. The only risk is that you will probably, at one point or another, have a piece of coal land in your eye. But don't worry. The train staff are carrying an ample supply of eye flush. One tube can well serve a party of six or more (assuming you all know each other and no one is a secret or not so secret carrier of pink eye or herpes). To be safe, though, everyone should wear some sort of protective eye gear. This would include anything and everything from sunglasses to googles. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Oh, and as a heads up: If you are riding from Durango to Silverton, shoot to ride on the right side of the train. From Silverton to Durango, the left. You can thank me later.

If you are staying in Durango, riding from Silverton will also get you home right around dinner time. There are several great places to eat right near the train depot - including one place in particular where all the not knocked up members of your party can indulge in post train margaritas. Be forewarned, though, there are no children's books in the restaurants to entertain those with child. And, unlike Texas, you have to pay for your chips and salsa.

And now, without further ado, some pictures:

Captured after buying our tickets for the 3:30 train.

The other customers at the rum distillery.
Tragically, I missed the one lady biker decked out in nothing but red leather.
She was fantastic.

Ordering...

Trevor and his tasty rummy goodness.

Peachy shenanigans...

Peachy and I after I finished my captivating children's book.

The ladies...

Kendall Mountain...

Love the blending of the water colors...

Our engine (FINALLY!) making an appearance...

Grammy Pammy playing on the tracks...

A rock slide had completely wiped out the train track and dammed the river.

This had happened only days before. It was 15 feet deep in places. We rode the train the day it finally reopened.

Following the river...

Trevor post nap.

Chugging along...

A rafter stuck on the rocks.

To quote Trevor, "Well, that sucks".

Through the gorge...

The engine was actually pulling twice as many cars as usual because the 2:30's engine had broken down.

We snaked on forever.

The reason for protective eye gear and lots of extra flush...

Group shot of the ladies at the end of the rail.