Day 19

This morning we got up and got ready to go into Durango to catch the bus for Silverton, CO.  About 4 days ago we had checked the weather for this day and it said rain.  But today we have beautiful sun shine for a great ride to Silverton where we will explor the town then catch the train back to Durango.

Here we are all on the bus and enjoying the sites along the way.  What is nice when we come back on the train it will be a different route.  The bus can't follow the tracks all the time.

 The sites along the road were great.

 The closer we got to Silverton, which is at just over 9000 feet the colors of the trees really start showing.

Silverton was a mining town back in the late 1800's.  The only way to get here was by mule until the construction of the Narrow Gauge Railroad running from Durango to Silverton.  This was constructed by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, headed up by General William Jackson Palmer, in 1881-1882.  After the mines went dry this area has become a tourist destination because of the famous Narrow Gauge Railroad.

This is the steam locomotive that took us back down the mountain.  But first we have to eat and shop.

A lot of us ate a the Handlebars Restaurant.  The food was good and plenty of it.

 Yes, we all helped the local merchants out a little.

I still think Jesse should of got this hat.

Before we new it, it was time to head for the train and get ready for our ride down the mountain.

Lets make sure everyone is here, it is a long wait for the next train.

On the road again heading towards Durango, and here are some of the sites we seen heading their.

What a great day we had, all of us had a super great time.

I think we worked our poor wagonmaster a little to hard today, but he is doing a awesome job.  Great job Jim & Betty!!!!!!