All aboard !
We had pre-booked a once in a life experience – riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Cowboy Poetry Train. This popular event is only held once a year. We were beyond excited. Only one problem…. the morning of the train ride, we were staying in Telluride, Colorado and had under estimated the driving time to reach Durango to be able to board the train in time. As we are not a fans on missing out on rare experiences we were determined to try to reach the train.
It was just after dawn, the dear and other wildlife would be out and about. We all focused intently on the lookout for any fast moving animals venturing onto the road. Thankfully we reached Durango and boarded the train just in time before it’s departure. Wow ! That was a close call.
After unwinding from the drive we sat back and soaked up the ambiance of the awe inspiring adventure. Autumn showcased the Rocky Mountains in a splendor of fall colours. We were entertained by live western music and cowboy poetry.
The fabulous performers recited classic and contemporary poems and songs that brought tears to our eyes with laughter !
The Durango to Silverton railroad was built by 1882 and began hauling both freight and passengers. The line was constructed to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realised it was the view that was truly precious. This historic train has been in continuous operation for 136 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives.
We had not anticipated our Kidsetter receiving a ‘Classroom on the Rails’. A friendly employee named Barbara whom was dressed in period clothing and accessories historically accurate to the era, took a shine to our Kidsetter. He is forever asking endless amounts of questions some of which we can, but mostly not able to answer as we are not walking encyclopaedia’s ! Barbara being a geologist and could answer every single question our Kidsetter thought of. It was wonderful ‘why are the rocks so smooth over here?’ ‘why does the water flow this way?’ Barbara taught our Kidsetter about the science of steam, geology, and the history of a journey back in time to the American Wild West. Making it fun and interactive for our 6 year old Kidsetter to absorb.
We reached Cascade Canyon and enjoyed a delicious western style barbeque luncheon alone the Animas River.
Appreciating the culture and traditions unique to the West we continued to be serenaded by the Cowboys before returning to Durango.
Reliving the “Golden Age” whilst riding behind coal fired steam engines, journeying through the rugged San Juan National Forest is a true thrill.
