For a long time whenever I dreamed of my ideal place to be or even live, it usually came down to two “D’s”: Durango, Colorado or Door County, Wisconsin. I’ve spent time in both of these places, but quite frankly, Durango is my favorite. A historic mountain town founded by a railroad, with gorgeous mountain scenery (and trains), beautiful sunny skies year ’round (and trains), and a wonderful small town vibe (and trains). Oh, did I mention that Durango has trains, too? Let’s talk about that a bit.
Most who know me at all know that I love most anything on rails. I’ve been a train nut pretty much since I was an embryo. I’m a member of four railroad museums and am involved as a conductor on Fort Collins’ 100+ year old trolleys. Sadly, with all our planned travels this summer, I won’t be able to work many shifts on the cars.
That said, my favorite form of railroading remains the steam trains. I don’t know of many places other than Durango that is served almost every day of the year by narrow gauge steam trains, often multiple times a day. So to be here in the home of the Durango & Silverton RR is paradise for me. The tracks run right past our RV park, and I’ve only missed one train since we’ve been here. I’ve already shot a couple videos of the train. The first is taken just across from our place, and the second one I captured with our drone. All abooaaad!
This summer Niki and I are exploring some of our favorite places we might like to consider living (at least part time). Stop number one on the “Could we actually live here someday?” tour is right here in Durango. We rolled into town Monday afternoon and got Liscia settled in at Alpen Rose RV Park. It’s a nice place about 4 miles up the Animas Valley from town.
We’re also less than 3 miles from the Durango Hot Springs, which is even nicer than either of the hot springs facilities in Glenwood Springs. We checked it out yesterday and can hardly wait to soak in the waters up there. And as many of you know, Niki and I are quite into pickleball, so I’m happy to report that he RV park where we’re staying has just painted a pickleball court very close to our bus. It should get lines added and be playable as early as tomorrow or the next day!
Roswell is happy (very happy!) to be set up and stationary in one location for nearly a month. Just as on Joy Girl, he really does not like being underway. But with Liscia parked in the same place for quite a while, the Admiral has taken to making pillow forts and happily and hungrily watching the birds visiting the feeders Niki has set up outside our front door.
Lastly, I need to give credit where credit is due. My wife is genius at using this software, so while this post was written by Craig, it was directed and produced by Niki.
Team Joy Girl Adventures 
WOW! I love the Durango/Silverton steam train ride… one way… We like to go uphill and trade car keys with someone who drove to Silverton and wants to ride the train back to Durango. Once again, you’ve piqued my interest… the Durango Hot Springs pool complex looks much improved over the last time I was there. I suggest being sure to visit Mesa Verde again… and climb the ladders (when the rangers say it is ok). Of, course, visit Animas Airport, “the airport on the hill” if they are having social gatherings… BBQ, bluegrass festival, pancake breakfast.
LikeLike
Thanks for the ideas. I’ve landed at 00C several times over the years and loved the place. We’ll be doing the round trip to and from Silverton in a few weeks on the recreation of the one-of-kind D&RGW car “Silver Vista”.
LikeLike
Your drone? Was that the Admiral’s idea? 🤣 great train videos. It is a beautiful area. The red bluffs are so striking as the train passes through. Enjoy your month in Durango!
LikeLike
Thanks for checking out the blog. Yes, this is for certain a beautiful place (with trains….yea!) Actually the drone was Niki’s idea, but of course the Supreme Commander and the Admiral did have to sign off on it.
LikeLike
Craig, during my graduate school days in the Twin Cities in the 1980s, for a couple of summers I did some conducting on the Harriet Lake trolley that the Minnesota Transportation Museum ran. We didn’t have the fancy conductors uniforms, however.
LikeLike
It’s great to hear from you, and thanks for checking out our blog. So how cool is it that we both were/are antique trolley conductors! I was in Fort Collins for nearly 30 years before I even knew about our trolleys. Now I’m the assistant lead conductor. If you’d like to see more about our operation, check out http://www.fortcollinstrolley.org .
LikeLike
Durango is absolutely beautiful . We’re doing things in a very different way. We’re in first land outside outside Sedona with Zaynah, chad and the boys. Fun!
LikeLike
Sedona should be gorgeous! Glad you’re on a great trip, how fun!
LikeLike
Dear Craig and Nikki, it is great to read about your adventures of traveling. Sue and I just got back Sat from 18 days in Europe. We took a weeklong Viking river cruise down the Danube and spent two days in Budapest which is a fantastic city. We then spent a week with some friends in England and they showed us around central UK and the lake district which was beautiful. Back home now and dealing with several unexpected and costly issues. Glad you are keeping up with your pickleball and I will look for you on the senior circuit !! Take care and travel safe!! Kent & Sue
>
LikeLike
Thanks for checking in and for checking out our blog. Wow! Barnacles won’t grow on your keel the way you guys get around. We’d love to hear more about the river cruise when we get back in the same locale as you, as that’s something we’ve got on our list of possible things to do. Take care!
LikeLike
Craig and Niki: Great to read about your Durango adventure. We love the Animus river canyon. Terrific videos and pics. We miss yous at pickleball Travel safe.
LikeLike
Thanks for checking out the blog! We definitely miss seeing you guys at pickleball, although we did find several places in Durango to play. Now we’re in Chama, New Mexico, to ride another old historic steam train. Back to pickleball in about a week or less 🙂
LikeLike