Day 11 - Durango, Colorado

Sunny again this morning. Yea!! It was down to 0 degree last night. Kinda cool. The heater did a so so job so Ross finally started the propane furnace for a little while and that did the job.

This morning, we boarded the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway for a 4-hr scenic tour into the Canyon Gorge of the San Juan Mountains along the Animas River. This is an historic coal-fired, steam-powered scenic railroad. It took us all the way to Cascade Canyon and back. In the summer, it goes as far as Silverton but only one way. This railway line has been running since 1882 and was originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore from the mountains.

We had a seat in the vintage coach with the option of going to an open-air gondola. It was cool but we came prepared. The views into the gorge were spectacular. When we arrived in Cascade, we ate our picnic lunch sitting by the turbulent Animas River, chatting to a couple from Montana who have done most of the sights we are heading for. It's always nice to get more recommendations.

When we got back, we visited the adjacent railway museum which was very well done and contained a lot of interesting memorabilia and a few restored locomotives and passenger cars.

We then strolled down Main Street and visited a Photography Gallery (black & white large format, framed, cost between $800-$1600) and an Art Gallery (very nice jewelery, wood turning and bronze sculptures). We then stopped in at the Diamond Belle Saloon at the Strater Hotel circa 1881 for a couple of local brews and pretzels. We really felt like we were back in the Old West especially since there was an older cowboy-type character sitting at the bar chatting up the ladies.

It's been a very special day, one that Ross has been forward to for a very long time!!!

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