Thursday, September 20, 2012

DAY 8 - Skunk Train Ride

Here's our Sunrise Tour group waiting at the Train Station and on the tracks in Ft. Bragg, CA before boarding the famous Skunk Train steam engine.  Started in late 1885 as a logging railroad, the Skunk Train began carrying passengers a few years later, but it didn't gain its nickname until 1925. In that year, small, self-powered trains started traveling the tracks. The combined fumes from their gas engines and the coal stoves that kept passengers warm were so pungent that locals often commented: "You can smell 'em before you can see 'em." It wasn't until recent years that the name was changed officially from the California Western Railroad to Skunk Train.  

A special treat on the train was the singing train man who entertained us with several songs and playing the guitar. It was a fun ride through the Redwood Forest to Northspur where we disembarked and enjoyed a catered picnic lunch of barbecued tri tips, chicken, corn on the cob, baked beans, assorted salads and ice cream.   It was a very enjoyable day on the rails. After a very leisurely lunch, we re-boarded the train for Willits where we were picked up by our driver. 




We then made a brief stop in the quaint town of Healdsburg which is renowned for its many wineries.   I had just enough time to relax with my new found friends on the trip and enjoy a glass of wine!  Here are several shots of us enjoying the day!