We left Durango this morning on a narrow guage railroad that ran north into the mountains to reach the old mining town of Silverton, Colorado. It took a full 3 1/2 hours for the train, pulled by an orginal steam engine, to cover the 50 miles and 2800 foot climb. The tracks, completed in the 1860's, runs along side the Animus River and hangs off the cliffs with often no visble separation between the tracks and the cliff edge. The river itself is white water for the majority of the distance. We were able to get some magnificent photos and videos that we will share with you when cirumstances permit.
Arriving in Silverton, we found an 1800's high mountain village that has been converted from mining to tourism. Very picturesque, very trendy, with very little else to recommend it. We had a good lunch at one of the many restaurant/bars in town. Bryan should not have had the buffalo burger (enough said). He was also disppointed with the lack of operational brothels.
After a couple of hours, we reboarded the train for the trip home. Another 3 1/2 hours of rocking on a 100 year old bench seat. I was very happy to get back to Durango. It was a great trip. One I am glad I took since the views were so fabulous but one I will not repeat again in the near future.
Gunny
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