1800s, steam-powered train ride & hot springs!

We had a very full weekend, too full actually, it was difficult to get out of bed on Monday. But it was fun! We got up very early (5am) to catch the train in Durango at 7:30. It's a bit of a drive from Dolores to Durango. But, we arrived on time and boarded the Narrow-Gauge coal-fired, steam powered train through the back country wilderness of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. This was a special treat for Auby, what little boy doesn't like trains? This train is one of very few left that are still running. It was build in the 1800s and with the exception of the onset of the Depression, it has ran continuously since, carrying passengers and supplies to the bustling mining town of Silverton.

Our trip was held on the Snowdown weekend, which is the city of Durango's big, yearly celebration. After we boarded and rolled out of town, the train stopped, let the passengers off the train to watch hot-air balloons ascend above the mountains. We had hot chocolate and donuts, then re-boarded for the San Juan Mountains. Once we reached our destination, we unloaded once again to take pictures of our surroundings and the train. The employees of the train were great and showed anyone interested how the train ran, and showed us where they kept the coal and how the coal is used to operated the engine. Very dirty!

This was a special occasion for Steve and I because we stayed in Silverton on our honeymoon 12 years ago, road this same train and took pictures in front of the same steam engine. Now, we were doing this with our children, maybe one day we will get to do this with our grandchildren!

On our way back to the train station, we seemed to draw the attention of everyone in our passenger car when we mentioned what we were doing with the selling of the house and traveling the country with the kids and all. Everyone thinks what we are doing is great and seem to be very interested in it. I have found it is a great opportunity to tell others of our belief in Christ and wanting a different life-style than what the world has to offer. I've been pleased to be in a position to offer hope to someone in need of it. Our God is an awesome God and works in mysterious ways, does He not?

After the train ride, we headed to Ouray for the much needed hot springs. I think it is the first time I have been warm since we left! You can imagine how much the kids enjoyed the heated pool area. If you've never been to the hot springs in Ouray, it is a real treat. The town itself has earned the nick-name Little Switzerland because of the mountains that surround this small city. It's just a beautiful feeling to be in natural hot springs in the chilly weather looking at snow covered mountains! The hot springs were wonderful and relaxing, there was a problem though, we had a long drive home!