Planes, Trains, Boats, and Automobiles!

 It has been a while since we have actually ridden this train.  We generally do a "day trip" to Durango when we come to Chama.  Jeff does a "shop tour" on those quick visits, and we chase the train as far as possible.  But, as with the Cumbres and Toltec, riding the train is a full-day commitment. The Yankee Girl Originally built in 1880, our car had several rebuilds over the next 134 years. It made its Durango and Silverton debut in 2014 as the  “Yankee Girl,”  named after the largest mine in the Red Mountain Mining District north of Silverton, Colorado. It went through a complete remodel focused on maintaining the old-fashioned flair of the 1880s while providing the comfort and conveniences of the 21st century. Luxurious Victorian-Era touches include woodwork created from mahogany, oak, and African bird’s-eye maple, custom wrought-iron scrollwork, and stamped-tin ceiling panels.  I had purchased tickets in March or April, hoping to book the parlor ca...

 From our quaint and rustic Little Rock House on Maple, we drove the two hours to Durango on Wednesday morning and checked into the Stonehouse Loft, a relatively new building designed by its owner, George, and built in 2015. There is definitely a modern - almost industrial vibe to the place, but we love the floor to ceiling windows and the clever design.  It's well equipped and very comfortable.  Definitely our "go to place" in Durango. The station is about half a mile away - an easy walk. We checked out in Chama at about 10:30 a.m. and arrived in Durango around 11:30. Check in wasn't until 3 p.m., so we had time to burn.  We enjoyed lunch at a tiny bagel shop next to the station and then decided to drive up to Silverton - about an hour away.  The views were spectacular, and I had to remind Jeff to pay attention to the roadway - which winds around and up the mountainside.  Jaw-dropping beauty surrounded us, making that a difficult feat for Jeff. Yes, that's...