We have been up to Duluth to visit Grandpa Z more times than we can count. But we had never been on this train before:
The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad train is perhaps one of Duluth's best treasures we have run across. Out of all the things we had planned to do this day, the train was our first priority. The kids were SO EXCITED. They had never been on a train before. Well, a
moving train, that is.
Bethany came along for the ride, and had a nice little nap along the way, lulled to sleep on our railroad ride. I normally do not like to post pics that I am in, but I thought this one was funny.....it is a clear representation of all the STUFF I have to take with us, even on a short little 90 minute jaunt. I have the diaper bag stuffed and carried on my back, my pink camera bag held by the straps, an extra bag full of blankets and sippy cups/snacks, and the baby strapped in the Ergo carrier on the front. You never know what you are going to need!
The kids got a little tour of the engine before the ride began.
The 1-1/2 hour ride through some of the best fall scenery around was perfectly lovely. And despite the rather cool temps in the low 50's, the bright sunshine made our extra blankets unnecessary. Simply a gorgeous ride.
Travelling under an old bridge along the St.Louis River.
Halfway through the trip, we stopped at a small train station. Our engine unhitched from the "front" of our train, and moved itself to the back. The kids were enthralled by watching the rehitching process as it reconnected to our "back" outside car.
Seriously, Tubby and Crispy both looked like they were in heaven, being up so close and personal to the mighty (but small) engine which pulled our train back from where it came from.
Our conductor was a jovial man who clearly enjoyed his job. We learned later that this whole operation is entirely volunteer run. So impressive.
More beautiful views as the sun was now high in the sky.
I think Grandpa had just as much fun as the kids. In fact, as soon as we de-boarded, he went straight to the office and signed up to be a regular volunteer! He will start his new position in the spring.
It was just the perfect way to spend a beautiful morning in Duluth. I am 100% certain that this will be another can't miss activity to add to our list of things to do next time.
Bethany came along for the ride, and had a nice little nap along the way, lulled to sleep on our railroad ride. I normally do not like to post pics that I am in, but I thought this one was funny.....it is a clear representation of all the STUFF I have to take with us, even on a short little 90 minute jaunt. I have the diaper bag stuffed and carried on my back, my pink camera bag held by the straps, an extra bag full of blankets and sippy cups/snacks, and the baby strapped in the Ergo carrier on the front. You never know what you are going to need! 
The kids got a little tour of the engine before the ride began.
The 1-1/2 hour ride through some of the best fall scenery around was perfectly lovely. And despite the rather cool temps in the low 50's, the bright sunshine made our extra blankets unnecessary. Simply a gorgeous ride.
Seriously, Tubby and Crispy both looked like they were in heaven, being up so close and personal to the mighty (but small) engine which pulled our train back from where it came from.
It was just the perfect way to spend a beautiful morning in Duluth. I am 100% certain that this will be another can't miss activity to add to our list of things to do next time.
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