All Aboard!

After a relaxing morning and brunch of homemade waffles, we set out on a bit of a family outing today with my parents, brother, and his sweet family.  We headed to the town of El Dorado, a historic mining town on Highway 49 in gold country.

Destination - the El Dorado Western Railroad.  We have visited numerous times, but I never tire of this living history railroad program of the El Dorado County Historical Museum.  On Sundays (weather dependent), volunteers generously give their time to help educate all of us about this historic railways of El Dorado County.

The El Dorado Western Railroad runs out of  two stations (they alternate each week).  One in the town of El Dorado, and the other in Shingle Springs, California.

Rides are approximately 30-40 minutes long on small "gang" cars, which were utilized by railroad inspectors, officials, workers and passengers.    Each car holds about 5-6 people,  A donation of $7 for adults and $3 for children is recommended.   The engineers hurtled us down the track at 6 mph. It's a little rough in some places, but thankfully they do give you a cushion to sit on!  Riding these rumbly bumpy cars helps take you back to when the era of transportation of goods and people relied heavily on the railways.  Many a log, and lumber, peach and pear made its way along these tracks.

Gang Car Engineers getting ready to board our group.  These folks volunteer each week, and from what I've discovered in conversation generally used to work on a railroad somewhere in the U.S.

Don't forget to get your ticket punched!

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These amazing people are my parents, Grandma and Papa.  We have our moments(like all families), but they have been always been there for me when I needed them...even when I've been at my most unpleasant.  Love you Mom and Dad!

My mom loves trains, so she's always up for a ride!  Her favorite will always be the Skunk Train stationed in Fort Bragg, CA.  It is a beautiful ride through the dense redwoods.  I recommend it too.

Miss M rode in the other car with my brother and his family.  Bummed there was a glare on the window.  She's a cutie for sure!

I believe this was C-Dawgs first train ride.  Thankfully he had Papa's finger to hold on to.

  

 Not pleased that I was taking his picture while he was trying to get some shut-eye.  Probably a long nap today is in order for Handy H!  

California is so dry this Summer.  You can tell all the plants are just longing for a long thirst quenching drink of water.  Hang in there!  They say the El Nino is coming.

 The hope for the El Dorado Railway is to restore more rail cars and such and develop a larger railroad park.  It will be fun to keep coming back, to see the progress.

If you find yourself along Highway 49 near Placerville, on a Sunday...stop in and ride the train.  It's fun for both young and old.

Cheers!
Forestry Mama