The Durango Project - Day 4

So Day 4 held the big ticket item of our Durango adventures - The Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad Train. Any previous Durango tourist said this was a must. And, in fact, I rode it years ago when I was a tiny tot. So as the good tourists we are, we had purchased our round trip tickets way in advance. Now, mind you, this way in advance bit meant that I did not fully understand the workings of a 14-month old. I thought, surely, by then he would be able to sit and enjoy said train ride. But knowing what we now know, it's safe to say the 4 of us were a bit nervous.

Case in point, we boarded the train and Cutler was immediately fussing because we wouldn't let him get down and walk around. This resulted in Cutler and I exiting the train until the last possible minute. But while burning energy outside the train, I had to put Cutler in timeout because he threw a big fit when I wouldn't let him walk wherever he wanted. At this point, I was seriously questioning my judgement over this excursion. (And I might add that all the while, Bowen was pleasantly sitting with his parents on the train.) Anyhow, when the train finally pulled out... our new motto became, "Think Gumby. Be flexible."

Fortunately, we packed toys and a plethora of snacks. And somehow, we survived the 3 1/2 hour ride up to Silverton.

                                           

Upon arrival, first things first. Dry diapers and lunch. (Oh, and an oh-so-quick photo op in front of the train.)

And then on to some sight-seeing, walking and rock hunting.

While there, we learned a valuable tidbit of information. If you did not want to ride the train for another 3 1/2 hours home, a 1 1/2 hour bus ride was available for $18 per person. We said, yes please. Knowing I'd only have to corral this munchkin for 1 1/2 hours...

...made this site all the more pleasing.

The train in our rearview mirror

Once home, we relaxed, ordered pizza and watched the Hunger Games movie. (The boys voluntarily watched it with us. And were pleasantly surprised.) Not a bad way to end the day.