Last Sunday found us on the way to... Rusk http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/texas_state_railroad/
A little OT but maybe last chance?
We had company so made reservations to ride the Texas State Railroad, perhaps for the last time. http://www.texasstaterailroad.com/schedule.html
We have ridden it in the past but the railroad is currently anticipating closing on July 31. 2007. It was an enjoyable ride and will be unfortunate for this piece of Texas history to fade into a "static" museum display as proposed.
The ride was one and a half hours long. The scenery was native Texas woodlands. There was redbuds, wild plums, ferns, wildflowers and more to look at...
When the whistle would blow, there would be rainbows in the steam. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture the rainbows in photos.
Midway, we met the train coming from Palestine to Rusk...
There were waves and smiles all around...
This message was edited Mar 18, 2007 8:34 AM
At the Palestine depot, we unpacked our lunches and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon. The layover was another hour and a half. The kids (big and little) placed coins on the tracks. When the train switched for the return ride, it flattened the coins and delighted all....
Time to head back ~ everyone was sleepy but it was hard to quit grinning. A day well spent and I hope if anyone is wanting a ride, you will make plans. This may be your "last chance" ! pod
Wonderful story, brings back a vivid childhood memory. We drove down from Dallas in my Dad's "wood" paneled Chrysler wagon to ride the railroad and then stopped by the Collin Street bakery on the way back. My folks send me a fruit cake around Thanksgiving/Christmas time every year. Eating the fruitcake takes me back to riding the train through the trees. I gotta take my kids before July.
-Thanks
Richard
podster, great essay and great fun. I've been bugging DH that we take a fun train ride.
Richard ~ by all means, take the kids and give them some great memories.
Vossner ~ it was a grand time. Something most people will never have the chance to do, riding a steam train.
I know it is probably a long trip for many of you but there are other items of interest to tour thru out east Texas. There are other links on the Texas State Railroad web site. Other parks in the area, Caddoan mounds, etc. Might make for a mini vacation. The Rusk park even has campsites and a lake for fishing ~ maybe even a swimming beach. Nice spot in the pineywoods.