Day Trip: Durango to Silverton Train Excursion

Alpen Rose RV Resort, Durango, Colorado    H72  L 51

Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.

The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.

This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado's mountain splendor  inaccessible by highway.

The train ride to Silverton was one of “the must do’s” on our list of things to get done before we return to AZ. Last Friday Judy and I and fellow workampers Bruce and AJ got around to it.  We opted to take the round trip, so it was a long day. The scenery was indeed spectacular.  Durango is at an elevation of 6512ft and Silverton is at 9300 ft.

The steam engine required 7000 LBs of coal (hand fed) for the trip up and three water stops.  Since the trip back was down hill, only 2500LBs of coal was required along with one water stop. The train was used in the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Three other scenes were also filmed along the route, including the famous “jump off of the cliff” scene.

Here are a few pics. Don’t forget to “click” to enlarge.

All Aboard, leaving Durango.

    

Passing Alpen Rose RV Resort

    

Views along the way

   

    

      

 

    

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next blog: in a week or so

Day Trip: Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Alpin Rose RV Park,  Durango Colorado     H73  L51

Judy and I visited the small town of Pagosa Springs a couple of days ago.  Pagosa Springs is another of the many small tourist towns in southwestern Colorado.  It is only a hour drive from Durango and only 30 miles from the Continental Divide. There are many hot springs that contribute to high number of tourist that visit the area.  The area also offers a  wide variety of recreational opportunities including all forms of skiing, fishing, swimming, snow mobiling and relaxing in the hot springs.

     

    

Next Friday we will be riding the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge train.

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next blog: in a week or so.

Driving the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

Judy and I recently took a day to drive San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway loop. The drive is two hundred thirty six miles of magnificent beauty.  We started out in Durango and ended back there some nine hours later. The trip took us through Silverton, Ouray (U Ray), and Telluride. The scenery was fantastic from the time we left until we returned to Durango. The route from Silverton to Ouray was along part of the "Million Dollar Highway". Most of the snow was gone, except for some of the highest peaks. We will redrive it in the fall when the the fall colors and snow return.

Here are some pics (don’t forget to click to enlarge).

    

    

    

 

That is all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: in a week or so.

South Dakota Black Hills Part 2

Alpen Rose RV Park, Durango, CO.   H89  L48

This is going to be more of a pictorial than most entries.  I am including a few pics of other points of interest in the Black Hills that Judy and I took in during our visit. Most motorcyclist rate this area as a must to ride and I am glad that I took the opportunity to ride the Black Hills back when I had my Harley Road King. I must admit that is was very rewarding touring the area in a car also. I recommend that if you have the chance to visit the area, take it!

Crazy Horse Memorial

Thanks to Phil and Rudee and Steve and Joan for making our visit to the memorial so enjoyable. You can checkout Steve and Joan’s blog by clicking here, Click.

    

  

Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

Wildlife Loop Road travels through 18 miles of open grasslands and pine-speckled hills that much of the park’s wildlife calls home. Depending on the day, you might see bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, coyotes, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, and a variety of other birds. A medley of colorful wildflowers and prairie grasses surround the road, making for a picturesque drive.

     

    

Needles and Norbeck Scenic By Ways

Two great drives whether you are driving a car or a motorcycle. To learn more Click here

       

    

 

The  visit back to the Black Hills, Judy and I hope it won’t be ten years before we get back.

That is all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

Next blog: in a week or so

South Dakota Black Hills Pt. 1

Alpen Rose RV Park, Durango, CO.   H 84 L 55

Judy and I found ourselves with a 10 days off period so we took a little (800 miles) trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is very rare that workampers have that many days off in a row so we took advantage of it in a big way. I had last visited the area 10 years ago when I rode my Harley from GA to the Black Hills. Now that was  road trip.

We also were able to meet up with George and Laurie, fellow bloggers and RVers. They were workamping at a campground in Custer, SD. We last saw them in FL a few years ago.  Judy and I also caught up with former fulltime workampers Phil and Rudee. After working a few seasons at the “Crazy Horse Memorial” they took  year round positions at the memorial. Phil put us in contact with Steve and Joan who were working at the visitor center the day we visited the memorial.  I have been following their blog for a couple of years. Once we arrived at the memorial, Joan and Steve went to great lengths to make our visit to the memorial very special. Judy and I hope we have the opportunity to repay their kindness “down the road”.

Laurie and Me at Buffalo Ridge Campground 

We stayed in Hill City during our time in the Black Hills. It was a great base for visiting the sights in the area. Judy and I were able to get to most of the  “must see” attractions during our stay. Below is a few pics of our trip. It is almost impossible to fully capture the beauty and splendor in photos. I recommend a trip to the Black Hills be on RVers “must See” list.

Deadwood, SD -  Click here to read the history of Deadwood

    

Wild Bill (L)       Calamity Jane (R)

    

Wall Drug Store – I first visited Wall Drug ten years ago on my Harley road trip to Billings, Montana. Wall’s has been a favorite tourist stop for many years.

 

    

Badlands National Park - Click here to learn more

    

  

Taken in 2006 during my last visit. 

The next installment will include; Custer SP wildlife loop, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Scenic byway and The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway.

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.