Today's Durango Choo-Choo Ride

Above, the Silverton train at Rockwood, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, Mitch and I took a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train to Cascade Canyon and back.

Normally, the trains would go to Silverton, but the track was washed out a couple of months ago and is now undergoing repairs.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky at Rockwood. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We rode in an open gondola car (no. 32). We were expecting nice warm late summer weather, but a sneaky winter storm came in yesterday and the ride was cold and rainy. At least we were prepared for it.

The ride was just as I remembered it from the three times I rode it in the 1980s. Except, we departed from Rockwood instead of from the Durango train station. Rockwood is about 17 miles north of Durango.

Above, yours truly at Rockwood. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Our car had about 16 people on board. The train company is limiting the number of people per car due to the coronavirus. We had to wear masks on the train. But that actually made the ride more comfortable for everyone's noses as the air was cold.

One thing I learned today: The engine for our train (No. 493) has been converted from coal to oil burning. A conductor said this was the first one converted and their other coal-burning engines will eventually be converted to oil. The reason is that their coal source mine is expected to be played out in 20 years.

Naturally, I took plenty of pictures:

Above, the Animas River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, and the next 3 photos, at Highline. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, old train ties along the route. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Animas River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a 1901 hydro-electric power plant still in use. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, fire prevention clearing at Cascade Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly on board in Cascade Canyon. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky on board in Cascade Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.