Ginny and I decided to travel domestically this summer. We live in the greatest nation on earth and, in my opinion, the most beautiful nation on earth. We all need to get out and visit the amazingly beautiful destinations right here in America.
This summer is a southwest summer for us. In addition to the amazing sights of the southwest, we have ridden the Cumbres and Toltec RR, the Durango and Silverton RR and now w're in Gallup, New Mexico where long BNSF stack trains barrel through right next to the highway every five or ten minutes. Today we were eating breakfast at the Comfort Suites in Gallup and I was able to watch train after train right through the picture window. Fantastic.
I must have seen 150 trains in a 36 hour period. Unbelievable !!!
I have to make this post a three rail post not just a "train" post so here are some observations:
1) I have to incorporate narrow gauge into the next hi rail layout. I know Ben Fiorello has questioned what GG-1's are doing on my fantasy narrow gauge layout, but the narrow gauge trains we rode this week are just spectacular. How will I do it? Perhaps a double decker layout?
2) I love the modern stack trains going through with three or four powerful diesels. Hey, there goes another right by my window. Why did I sell my Legacy diesels and stack trains? A moment of madness.
3) Spend some time planning to ride the two great narrow guage railroads. You might not be a fan of narrow gauge now, but once you ride them, your opinions may change. Both are spectacular.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad . . . We lucked out on our trip from Chama to Osier. We had double headed locomotives.
Durango & Silverton Scenic Railroad
Trains in Gallup, New Mexico