A couple of days after our anniversary, we celebrated our 48th by going to Abilene to ride the Abilene and Smoky Valley dinner steam train. It is the only operating steam railroad in Kansas. It runs on historical railroad tracks.
It was about an hour away by car. I love driving in the country! There were some storm clouds in the distance. It looked like we might drive into it.
It was getting dark.
We got to Abilene just before the rain started.
Our town also has an old steam locomotive at the park!
The engineer invited Allen to come on up.
Time to board! "All aboard!"
I recall the Japanese conductors saying "Oh rai!"
"All right!" I think?
It was NOT the Shinkansen Bullet train - it runs 223mph these days.
Back when we went on it in 1986, it probably ran between 150-200.
I really like the sound of the "choo-choo"!
We crossed the Smokey Hill River
I wish they still had cabooses!
I loved reading this book to the children when they were little!
We stopped in this little town, population about 700, founded in 1868. It was named for the enterprising qualities of the pioneer settlers.
A little fun fact: In 1901, the followers of the temperance movement, along with the leader Carrie Nation, wrecked a saloon in this town!
This fella ground some wheat for us.
You could purchase wheat at the shop connected to the mill.
We talked with a couple who lived in this town. They were riding the train along with one of their mothers who was visiting from out of state. They told us that the train has derailed a few times, but they are working on updating the track lines. That's good!
They took our picture.
There were public restrooms we could use.
A pretty curtain gives one privacy.
Many people chose to sit in 2 open carriage cars on the way back to Abilene. We sat inside, however.
1858 log cabin!
We didn't see any damage around our property for which we were thankful.
An enjoyable - although slow - train ride!
