Kevin's point is well taken. In 2014 when we rode to Silverton, I wanted to shoot some video of the train coming in behind us, the wye, and other RR stuff. My wife wanted to find a restaurant or shop. Someone at the D&S suggested I rent a Golf cart in Silverton. It was right on the right side as you stopped in town. I do not recall the name. Anyway, we got in that, and I looked for a place to grab something quick and there were lines forming. So I went to a local grocery and we bought a couple of those wrapped subs. I dropped the wife off in town, and I headed for the wye. It was good I rented the cart, because our train was very late, and I had to cut my stay short in Silverton, cause they still wanted to depart on time. But with the golf cart I was able to get into town quickly(a few different streets), get the wife some shopping time, while I got some stuff I wanted, like the next train arriving, ours turning, and some static shots. Then I hustled back to find the wife and return the cart.
Kevins point about eating his own stuff from the grocery is a good idea actually. I found mealtime to be a major hassle on the whole trip. In Chama we ate at the Mexican place with good burritos, or Subway. I think we did the hamburger place once and it was real good, and High Country. We tended to chase several days, and opted for a snack in the local gas station for breakfast and bought a sub to take to the back-country.
As for other train riding suggestions....first do a search of this site, and you will find a ton of these types of threads. Some of the same stuff has been covered here, plus there are others.
We prefer to do Antonito to Chama. Why---because its ever changing scenery and gets better as the trip progresses. Also its a slight grade, but the engine works for about 50 miles to Cumbers. I suggest you stay in Chama, and take the bus over to Antonito in the morning. It was a nice bus. That way you are back in Chama at your car when the trip is over. If you have time ride to Cumbres another day, or at least chase it up there for the experience. It is a great spectacle, but its only about an hour and half tops.
On the D&S ride to Silverton, and you may as well ride back, as the views are different, plus I think you get more of your money's worth that way. For some the bus return is nice cause its a shorter day, and you are seeing the same scenery somewhat back to Durango, and its mostly downgrade, so the train is drifting a fair amount(If you like hard working then the Durangoo-Silverton portion offers plenty of that.
Years ago on my honeymoon we did Mesa Verde and the Narrow Gauge. You do have to climb some ladders so that might be a consideration, but it is an interesting destination. We also like very much Arches National Park,
which is near Moab, Utah. Lots of need arches, and rock formations. You could spend and afternoon and morning for different lighting if you are into photography. Its not really that far from Durango or Silverton.
I guess this is headed toward one of the longer threads recently. Don't you wish you hadn't asked these questions, given the forest full of potential things to check into now!!!!
Greg Scholl
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www.gregschollvideo.com]
