Those Four Corners Kossacks are up to more fun, but you expected that. We're having another meet-up and this time it will be on a steam train. Specifically, the
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train! Wooo wooo!
It's always fun to ride a train. But this train, well, this train is extra special. Not only are the cars over 100 years old, the coal-fired steam locomotive pulling us up the mountain was built in the early 1920's. We'll be riding in the Cinco Animas car built in 1883. As would be expected for Kossacks, it is a Presidential Class car.
There are more details over the orange cow catcher:
* ALL ABOARD! *
We'll assemble at the depot in Durango at 9:15 AM on Saturday, December 6th for our train which leaves the station at 9:45 AM. Of course, you'll be welcomed aboard by period-dressed conductors, Engineer, the large crew needed to operate a steam locomotive and our car's attendant. Since you're being seated in a Presidential Class car, you will be treated like, well, a President. There will be a choice of seating. Maybe you prefer to be seated upon the plush Pullman seats. Or perhaps your choice will be the chairs set at a small table which could hold your drinks. No matter, we've got the car to ourselves, so switching of seats will be not only allowed, it will be encouraged!
Once you're seated, the whistle will blow and the train will slowly achieve the stately speed of 18 m.p.h. More slowly, at first, as we move through downtown Durango then revving it up as we traverse the beautiful Hermosa Valley. If I may say so myself, the red cliffs lining the Hermosa Valley are nearly worth the trip by themselves!
If it's cold and snowy enough on the peaks prior to our meet-up you'll see many elk there. They tend to winter-over in the valley which, at 6800 feet in elevation, is approximately 4000 feet less than the passes.
We'll then begin to climb the mighty San Juan Mountains, leave civilization and any roadways behind. The route up diverges from Highway 550 and we'll be surrounded only by mountains. Perhaps we'll see some mountain sheep as I did the last time I took the train. Or mountain goats, deer, elk and if we're very, very lucky — a bear will be within our sight. Bears will be, depending on the temps, just looking for a last snack prior to bedding down for their winter-long slumber. Of course, if we experience enough cold weather beforehand the bears will be curled up all snuggly in their dens by December 6th. Who can say?
It'll take us over an hour after the Hermosa Valley to reach our destination, the Cascade Wye. The trains turn around here, which is a spectacle all by itself, during the winter. The snow becomes much too deep to clear from the tracks beyond as the elevation reaches toward 9000 feet at this point. Many years ago, a siding [<??????] and small picnic area was built to accommodate this maneuver and that's where we'll disembark. We'll spend 45 minutes in Cascade Canyon for lunch while they 'turn the train around', and also bid farewell to several campers. There will no doubt be backpackers leaving the train to do some winter camping. It is the only 'easy' way to get into Cascade Canyon and the seemingly unlimited, reachable backcountry from there. Those campers make arrangements to catch a train back to town in several days when their adventure is finished. I have it on good authority that a certain beloved Daily Kos honcho began a camping adventure in this very manner!
Once our lunch (or your short hike) is finished and the train is pointed downhill, we'll re-board for the ride back to Durango. Not to be a buzzkill but the train only goes 18 m.p.h. downhill too. We'll arrive at the depot by 3:00 PM with big, broad smiles!
You have questions, don't you? Visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad website.
Here are the facts about our meet-up for you. It will be on Saturday, December 6th, 2014. We'll meet at the depot at 9:15 AM. The train leaves at 9:45 AM sharp AND it doesn't wait for anyone, not even the President. We arrive back at the depot by 3:00 PM. Your ticket includes non-alcoholic beverages such as water, coffee, hot chocolate and soda. You may purchase a lunch from the railroad, which costs an additional ~$11.00. Or you may bring your own lunch aboard, as I will do. The lunch they serve is good and made that morning by a caterer in town. What you may not bring onboard is any glass containers or booze. They prefer to sell you their booze like any concessionaire in the world. A semi-full bar is onboard. Local beer? Yes, it'll be there! Of course, no smoking is allowed on the train at any time. Bring sunglasses! A sun hat would be a good thing to bring, as well.
I have purchased 14 seats for us. Seven are already RSVP'd for and another five have said 'maybe.' I hope they confirm, if not, their seats will be available. It's not a problem should there be more than 14 Kossacks who want to attend this spectacular meet-up. There's another luxury, indoor car on this train (but it's not, um, Presidential) and for the same price a ticket can be purchased for that car. We may freely move between cars!
This meet-up is being held on a Local's Day special fare day. That means ticket prices are 55% off their usual price! So instead of paying $105.00 (that price includes tax), you'll be living the Presidential life for the low, low price of $48.00/ticket! Trust me when I say that at $48 you'll not find a better bargain for a truly spectacular day!
You'll rave about the trip for a long, long time as David Letterman does. He rode the Cinco Animas in 2011, so did Oprah in 2006. The Cinco Animas was featured in the movies Around the World in 80 days and Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. You can take a half hour hike in the San Juan Mountains. And, AND! You'll get to hang out with a bunch of really fun Kossacks!
Please RSVP to Thinking Fella via kosmail ASAP! Seats on an adventure this epic won't last long!
Of course ALL ARE WELCOME! And, if you're traveling from out of town that FCKer Fella will be very happy to assist you with advice on your travel plans, accommodations or whatever you need. Word is he's not only a great host but a fabulous tour guide as well!
EPIC Four Corners Kossacks Meet-up
Saturday, December 6th, 2014
9:15 AM
At the depot of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango, Colorado