During a three week stop at Rapid City, SD we parked at the RV park at Ellsworth AFB just east of the city. The recreation department at the AFB ran all sorts of tours to all of the nearby attractions. They had a fleet of passenger vans and drivers that were excellent tour guides as well. They would pick us up at the RV park and return us there at the end of the day. It was very convenient and much easier than driving around rubber necking.
http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/milcamps/33-south-dakota/172-ellsworth-afb-famcamp
Our train ride on The Black Hill Steam Train started in Keystone and went to Hill City and returned. It was an all day affair and very enjoyable with a nice layover in Hill City that allowed enough time to do some shopping and have lunch.
http://www.1880train.com/
There was a singing group that met the train in Hill City. One of the conductors had served on the USS Midway and saw my hat and we had a chat. There was a clear stream close by so I looked for gold. No luck. Just about everyone took a picture of our head conductor. There was a long line at the snack station but it moved alone quickly and everyone that wanted a snack got served. As depicted in the pictures it was a beautiful, clear, summer day for sight seeing.
We took lots of pictures and here are some of them. Clicking on them will make them larger. The links are active, just click on them to browse.
The FastEaglesCal & Linda
You know, going on one of these train rides sounds like the perfect get away right about now. I've been working and going to school and really want some time away from it all. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI would like to go on one of these trains rides. Trains are probably my favorite type of transportation. I have only been on one train ride that went through the mountains of Australia and it was absolutely beautiful. I would love to go on train rides like that in the future.
ReplyDeleteAlena | http://www.scenicrailexcursions.com