train ride in Durango!

   Last weekend my family drove down to spend time with my hubbys family. We were very lucky to see quite a few relatives! One of my sisternlaws, her boys and newish cute baby girl, drove across country to spend the month at her parents farm. My bronlaw flew in for the weekend (and he's kinda obsessed with trains). My other sisternlaw drove down with 3 of her kids...it was one big family party. :)

   Anyway....around this time of December, my inlaws plan a day trip to Durango to ride the train.  We've done it in the past when my oldest was a baby, and now that I have 2 growing kids, may be able to go every year. My kids loved the train.  You could kind of compare this to the Heber Creeper, but I think the views are definitely better on this train ride. :)  The Durango Silverton Train follows the Animas River for about 2 hours, stops at Cascade Springs for 45 min to stretch your legs...have lunch, then turns around and heads back to the station.  One of my favorite parts of the trip? (other than the scenery) once you get one cup of hot chocolate, refills are free for the whole trip! :) Here are some pics from the ride.

my little girl with her grandpa at her favorite spot on the train--the gondola (open cart)



Animus river...green! a lot of frozen ice/snow on the banks



looking up the river at the train engine



Front of the engine at our stop at Cascade Springs. Used a Polar Express cart.



need shot of the engine from the gondola



My sisternlaw surrounded by her nephews and nieces.