Durango and Silverton train. Mary volunteered for the San Juan National Forest, in the summer of 2019, to be a Rail Ranger. Our group walks through the trains and answers passenger questions about the area. My area of "expertise" is the flora and fauna we will see along the route. Most passengers are receptive to speaking to us and it is fun.
One of the Premium Cars on the train
Premium Car comes with its own attendant, usually in costume
Premium car with attendant
Train coming round the bend. The Animas River was flowing very well this year April through mid-August.
One of many waterfalls as we entered the town of Silverton
Peter Varney, seasoned Rail Ranger, took me to lunch on my "Shadow Run" day, June 17, 2019
Coal fired train taking on water
Quinn, a brakeman, giving an announcement. I tell them any questions related to the train, find the guys/gals in the black hats.
The town of Silverton. Mostly old buildings that have been refurbished
Main Street Silverton, Colorado
Funnel Cakes, yum
Tank Creek, water stop. Usually this runs as a trickle, but on July 11th it was still flowing like a small river
Nearing the town of Silverton
The Animas River down quite a bit by August
Needleton stop, we let off backpackers for a place called Chicago Basin where there are several 14,000 ft. peaks. Many of these people want to hike all 14'rs in the state. They can come back anytime to ride the train back to Durango. In the fall, the train also carries hunters to a place called Elk Park.
The color of the river and rocks on the side are due to the old mining days
Remains of a HUGE avalanche created sometime in April, 2019. The snow covered the tracks at that time by 60 feet. This photo was taken September 5 by a fellow rail ranger
Train coming around the Highline. Everyone's favorite place to take photos
Letting off steam
Nice Rainbow effect over river
Kat, one of the many train photographers
Wayne, the Conductor on my train that day
This is the reason they say "keep your arms inside the car". Some rocks are even closer.
Ben, my favorite conductor, but I shouldn't have a favorite right?
Carolyn, female brakeman. Just goes to show we women can do anything. It is a fairly dirty job.
Casey, concessions
September the river is down to its usual, low level
Silverton, an old train bucket. (I am not sure what it was used for.)
September 25, 2019. Fall color in Silverton. Most of the aspens will be turned and then gone off the trees by October 1st.
Frank, another great conductor. As you can see, it isn't easy getting great photos on a moving train and without great lighting.
Highline, the river is way below us at this point
Train returning to Durango going under Highway 550
