NEXT STOP--

I know this trip is backward, and that I should finish the entire trip in one sitting/session, but I don't seem to make the time...

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After leaving Mesa Verde we drove to Durango, Colorado. In Durango we stayed at the Marriott Hotel. We had a large and very nice room on the lower level next to the river. There were full length windows, and a sliding glass door that went out to a patio where we could sit and listen to the river and watch the joggers and bikers pass by. There was a path that ran along the river that many locals and visitors alike took advantage of. I don't remember how many miles long it was, but it was quite a few.

This is a picture taken from inside our room looking out at the river.

The picture below does not do the room justice, but it was a very nice place to stay. Out of the picture was a large bathroom and dressing area, as well a table, chairs, and a really nice chair to sit and read or relax on. --The fresh warm cookies on arrival is a nice bonus as well!

I have come to the conclusion this past year that one of the reasons we likely don't travel as often as we other wise could, is because I like to stay in nice places. However, it is nice to do, and I completely enjoyed the one-on-one time with Kerrie. As you married folk know, it isn't always easy to get away for a whole week as a couple if you have children and/or other obligations.

The main item on the agenda for our Durango stay was to take the steam powered train that runs from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. Kerrie and I both had been on the train when we were younger, and those great memories made me want to return. I am very glad we did and would like to go again!

If you want to go to Durango and take the train ride, or just want to look, the link to their website is:

www.durangotrain.com/

I highly recommend this trip!

Of course, as I just explained, I like to do things in an extra special way when we travel and so I had booked a spot on the First Class Parlor Car. When you check out the site and see the other options you will see why this is called "First Class".

The First Class Parlor car is definately the way to travel if you can. Complimentary drinks are served in this car, and yes, that is me behind the bar. I wouldn't have a clue how to operate it though. :-) --I couldn't resist the chance to have my picture taken behind the bar because I thought it was a cool vintage car. They do serve alcohol in this car, however, Kerrie and I enjoyed our Diet Coke and Dr. Pepper just fine! In fact, there was very little alcohol consumed by anyone that day (yea!) They also served pasteries and snacks along the way. A real benefit is that the car has a very knowledgable and friendly attendant that points out some of the sites and interesting facts along the way. I can't forget another huge benefit, wich is the comfortable chairs and the table we had to sit at while looking out the window at the georgeous views. Probably the greatest benefit, or at least close to it, is that this is the only car on the train that you can go out outside on the back deck and take in the scenery from a very unique perspective. This alone is worth the difference in the price from what you have to pay to ride one of the other cars.

If you're traveling by yourself or as a couple, this is the way to do it!

Below are a couple of pictures of the view you can't get from any other car on the train. This one was taken just as we began to head out of Durango and up the mountain.

No explaination required---- ;-)

Here is a video taken with my camera, so the quality isn't the best.

This is looking out the window on one side of the train at one point in the trip.

...this would be looking out the window on the other side...

Trust me, it's even a lot further down than it appears in this picture. Cool isn't it!

This was the view from out our window as we were winding our way up the mountain. It was pretty step at some points, and the train really had to chug to get up the hill.

We went the first part of May, and at that time of the year the train only goes about 1/2 way to Silverton. We were able to stop at a georgeous location and get out and have lunch and walk around for a little while before heading back to Durango. These are a couple of pictures from that stop.

-The obligatory touristy pic- and I LOVE it!

Standing on a bridge that goes over the river. Notice the smaller river that merges just ahead to the left of where I am standing. Beautiful!

The ride down follows the same path as up... duh! It is on tracks ;-)

We enjoyed some awesome, and expensive dinners in Durango.... and the blog will be continued as we leave Durango and head to............. Enjoy one more short of the train ride while you wait.