In February of 2018, My friend Dan and I went down to Durango, CO to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for the 2018 “Winter Photo Special”. Even though it was a light year for snow pack, it was still a fun weekend. I was able to get a day with the “Galloping Goose” , along with a day outing on #476, having gone through a fresh rebuild. The night time shoot at the Durango and Silverton Train Yard was a blast. I could do that every night if they let me.

Dan, who was flying back to Denver from Newark (work), made a race of it, who was getting to Durango first. I was leaving Denver after work. We checked in often to see where we were. Had a smile on my face when I was the first to check into the Hotel:).

Here are some of my favorite pics from the Winter Photo Special. Plan to do it again. Lots of fun.

Enjoying the evening time views from Wolf Creek Pass as I descend into Durango.

Galloping Goose #5. There were seven Railcars (Galloping Goose) built by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad in the 1930’s. Operating till the 1950’s. On the Highline above the Animas River.

Letting #473 pass by us. Was having a hard time staying awake in the warm Winter sun:).

Crew of Galloping Goose #5. The Goose was created in the ’30’s to offset bankruptcy and keep it’s contract to run mail in the Colorado Mt towns. All the Goose’s were built at the facility’s in Ridgway Co for the Rio Grande and Southern. 

Letting #473 pass by at Cascade Y.

Crossing the Animas River.

The Goose is a super cool way to ride the Narrow Gauge. The day I rode, not only did we get to see a Bald Eagle, but there was a gentlemen on board that road the Goose 74 years ago to get into Durango from Ophir. 

Coming back over the Highline.

Evening shoot at the Durango and Silverton Train Yard. I was enjoying this part of the Winter Special.

I’ve taken a liking to an old time photographer “O Winston Link”. Did a lot of work on the old Steam Trains right at the end of there era.

Winter Photo Special day with #476. Fresh from the Tran Yard and a complete overhaul. Our day on #476 would mark the first time carrying passengers since it’s rebuild.

Kept coming back to this view.

Along the Animas.

Back over the Highline.

Almost back into Durango. A friend would be waiting for us at the depot.

While driving back to Denver, my friend Dan and I stopped at the Round house in Como, CO. Dan’s been helping with restoration work there.