Monday, October 8, 2007

Soo Line Steam Locomotive 2719 Excursion 10/6/07

Another amazing three-day weekend!

Friday, October 5, 2007
Chuck and I left our home near Milwaukee about ten minutes before 4:00 AM on Friday, October 5, 2007 and drove to Duluth Minnesota. Our goal was to be at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in time to see the #2719 4-6-2 steam train leave at 10:30 AM for the Friday Two Harbors excursion to take photos and video. I am happy to report we made it on time, arriving at just about 10:15 AM as the last passengers were boarding.
#2719 about to leave on Friday, 10/5/07.

#2719 backs out of the depot siding to switch to the mainline on 10/5/07.

After we checked into our room at the Holiday Inn we went out to tour Duluth via their excellent Skywalk System.

On the way to the Depot from the Holiday Inn Center to visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum through the Skywalk System.

On Friday evening we dined in the Radisson Hotel Harborview revolving 'Top of the Harbor' restaurant. The food was outstanding and a talented three piece band went from table to table to play everyone's favorite tunes. The view at night in the wind and rain was just great and we were able to get there without stepping outside at all. We highly recommend this restaurant any time you are in Duluth!

Saturday, October 6, 2007
On Saturday we rode the Lake Superior Railroad Museum round-trip excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad behind the Pacific 4-6-2 #2179 from Duluth to Two Harbors, followed by their elegant dinner train.

We rode in the Budd car with no empty seats on the train on 10/6/07!

Chuck is seen in the baggage car while still at the depot. It was chilly and very wet all weekend; too cold to stay in the open car for long.

Looking out the window at Lake Superior as we leave Duluth on the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

Weather is not an issue for Chuck who is happy as long as he's on a train!

A big thrill for us was having Patrick Dorin as our car host. Here he is signing his book we purchased in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum
gift shop after our excursion to Two Harbors had detrained in Duluth.


North Shore Scenic Railroad Elegant Dinner Train

Chuck with our table companion Jamie Longe from Kenora, ON, Canada.

Jamie's bride of one month, Sarah sitting next to me in the dining car.

Our dinner was from the New Scenic Cafe located at 5461 North Shore Drive, Duluth, MN 55804. The menu was as follows:


The first course was a corn tamale with a beautiful
presentation and spicy chocolate mole sauce.


The second course was a delicious salad.

The entrée was seared elk over wild rice. Yum!

Dessert was a homemade berry pie with a crust to die for.

Ken Buehler, the Executive Director of the North Shore
Scenic Railroad is a very witty and entertaining host.


Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad
Sunday, October 7, 2007
On Sunday we rode the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad during their last scheduled day of the season to view "Duluth's most scenic excursion" along the St. Louis River. Later we shopped at the Superior Antique & Art Depot in Superior, WI until they closed after 5 PM, then we headed home arriving near 1:00 AM on Monday.

One of two coach cars on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad.

The observation area of one of the coach cars has many very
comfortable arm chairs and a door leading to the open car.


It was warmer on Sunday 10/7/07 so we spent a lot of the trip
along the St. Louis River outside in the open air car on the LS&MRR.


It's a lot of fun to travel on three-day weekends when the destination is within 6-8 hours from home. Take a look at what's in your area and get out there and enjoy some trains!


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