Tuesday we took the old coal engine train to Silverton, Co, about 55 miles, 3 1/2 hours by train. It was gorgeous.
We were supposed to wear hats and sunglasses due to the coal embers.
Oh, and I loved the Ska Mandarin beer.
Can't believe this beauty.
The train is called 'Narrow Gauge Railroad' for a reason.
Luke liked to lean out.
Coming into Silverton.
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Silverton is an old mining town that averages about 450 residents in the winter. The mines shut down about 15 years ago, mostly a tourist town now.
And it's pretty amazing. My cousin Scott is a Geologist and has lived here for over 30 years. He worked in the mines, is brilliant about rocks, is the town commissioner/mayor of Silverton and started building the Silverton Mining Museum 14 years ago. The building alone is amazing itself, my cousin donated at least half of the pieces in it and knows everything about every rock imaginable. He was an amazing tour guide, his store was so fun to shop in and we had the best day listening to his knowledge and enjoying a beer with him afterwards. Silverton is a must do for anyone.
Luke and the old ball and chain from the old Silverton Jail.
His best bad boy look.
Scott telling the boys more stories on the way to lunch, they couldn't get enough.
Our Train.
Rock Stories.
There were 3 stories of an actual working mine and every bit was amazing.
Me and Scott, I think the last time that I saw him I was 10, years don't matter. He's pretty brilliant and fabulous.
Fetch's Mining Store. Love it and we will be back!!!!
I had my selfie stick out again at Garden of the Gods, beautiful 
Eric commented on how clean and free this park was, this is how all national parks should be. 
Next was Manitou Springs.
Panning fossils at Cave of theWinds.
Air Force Academy, Luke and Mason now want to go there, if they ever did, we would be so proud. Eric and I both teared up during the movie.
Where Mason will be in 8 years.
The chapel at the Air Force.
There just happened to be a Bass Pro Shop across the freeway from the Air Force, guess where we spent the rest of the day??? Good thing there was bowling alley and a bar!
Best dog park ever in Co Springs.
He's really not a show dog.
