Re: Riding in Caboose 0500

I rode 0500 in 1995 on the evening run to Cascade. I was back in Durango to ride the train and chase and the first night of chasing the Cascade run was the first time I saw the 0500 loaded with people with the oil lamps burning and on a whim I decided to ride her the next day. I feared it would be sold out but when I went into the office they had tickets left. I showed up at train time and guess what? I was the only caboose passenger. I had it all to myself - and the docent. My favorite K-28, the 476 was up front and I rode the cupola and the conductor's desk and the back platform - I had a ball.

That night was the full moon and I have to tell you that riding in the cupola on the highline with the river down below reflecting the moonlight, with occasional flashes of red when the fireman stoked the fire........Now that was just a little taste of heaven. An evening I will never forget.