Re: Boxcar Betty's Retirement Train

Thank you all for your kind words! The D&SNG has been good to me and I have made many friends. Some of them have become life-long friends and many have lasted just a season or two, but they all played an important role in my life. Many friends and family rode the retirement train and it was a beautiful day.

When asked if I'd like the standard retirement gold pocket watch, I instead requested a necklace depicting the mountains and the train. Jeff Ellingson designed the piece and a local jeweler crafted it. There is a diamond star set in the blue Lapis sky with local quartz shimmering as the snowy mountains. The train and trees were sculpted in silver as well as the border design. It is a beautiful piece that I will treasure and always keep me connected to this train! To add to the memories I will carry with me, Carol and Al personally gave me a beautiful Ben Nighthorse Campbell design cuff bracelet that is being custom made for me. I also received a Lifetime Pass (#40) to ride the D&SNG. I have been blessed.

When I stopped to think about my longevity with the train, I realized that I am the longest employed FEMALE staffer in the 135 year history of the Durango to Silverton line! How 'bout that?

My retirement goal is to step away from the computer and desk and spend more time 'getting lost' whenever I can, but I will check back on the NGDF periodically! You can stay abreast of my wanderings on my photo website DurangoExposures or on my Facebook page Durango Exposures.

Thanks again for all your support and for keeping steam training alive.
Yvonne aka Boxcar Betty (Did you all know that for over 20 years my office was a boxcar? Hence the name. Betty?... Boxcar Yvonne just didn't have the right ring to it )