On Sunday night, our studio buzzed with the energy and stories of Robert Van Camp, train aficionado and producer of "
Great Scenic Railway Journeys: Celebrating North America's Steam Railways." In case you missed it, the program airs again on Thursday night at 7.
Funny because trains have been on my mind these days. Over Memorial Day weekend, my boyfriend and I stayed in an old caboose-turned-cabin at Strawberry Hot Springs. (There
isn't a more perfectly cozy and serene place to sleep!) On Friday, we
went to The Old Spaghetti Factory for a family occasion and ate inside a
train car.
And a
month back, I went chugging up Pike's Peak on the squeaky red
Cog Railway – watching a 14'er unfold in all its glory.
One train featured in "Great Scenic Railway Journeys" and known all over the world is the
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. I hope to take it this summer to access the Weminuchi Wilderness, a.k.a. wildflower and wildlife heaven. Last year, we had tickets but, an hour before departure, our trip was hailed out. We're talking hail the size of golf balls!
If you're like me and think the ol' steamers are cool,
check out these segments of "Spirit of Colorado" on some of Colorado's most popular steam trains.
So what are your favorite train memories – here in Colorado and elsewhere?
To all you train lovers, wide and plenty: have any articles or resources to share? Railways you're especially fond of? Tell all here on Panorama.
-Elizabeth Mayer, Rocky Mountain PBS
