Monday June 20th

We got up 5:45 AM - that's got to be a record for us.  We were going on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the train left at 8:30 AM.  Durango has a free trolley that stopped at our campground and we had to make sure the scooter would make it up the hill to the bus stop.  It was kind of neat - like at Disney World, Bernie just drove the scooter on the trolley and that was his seat.  It was also FREE!! It was only 50 degrees this morning - of course, we were in short sleeves and bermudas - luckily, we took our sweatshirts.  At the train station, we found out that Silverton's predicted high was going to be 53 and there was also a chance of snow!!  Is this June?

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge RR is powered by vintage coal-fired steam locomotives.  The trip takes 3 1/2 hours one way to climb up to 10000 feet.

The line has been in constant operation since 1881.  It ran through the San Juan National Forest and along the Animas River.  The countryside was just gorgeous.

San Juan National Forest

ANIMAS RIVER

Needle Mountain

The snow is slowly melting on the mountain tops which caused several beautiful waterfalls.

When we got closer to Silverton, started seeing these flowers.  Anyone know what they are?

It's getting late and it's been a very long and active day - tomorrow we head for Sedona, Arizona.  I will posted the rest of today's trip tomorrow.  Good night all.