Day 3 (July 24th)

Today's main event is the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad. This is a tourist railroad that runs from Dillsboro, NC to points southwest. They run several different trains on the different segments. We chose the Nantahala Gorge train which leaves Bryson City at 9:00 am. Yikes, that is an hour and a half from the hotel in Asheville.

We arrived in Bryson City about 45 minutes early. While Nancy was picking up the tickets, I found the train. The group of people you see here are witnessing an older couple renewing their vows on the anniversary. They then got to have a dance for two played by two fellows playing Fender guitar & bass, then the privilege of riding in the refurbished Denver & Rio Grande caboose for the trip. The musicians also played railroad song favorites including the "Wabash Cannonball". (Photo - Mike Colyar)

Here are 711 and 1751 without all the people as they position the train for boarding. (Photo - Mike Colyar)

There were eight cars in all on the train. The McNeill Club Car, a former N&W car, was ours for the trip. A very plush car with individual padded seats and sofas. In this car nonalcoholic beverages were free and there was a cash bar available. Dottie took very good care of us. There were also three open air cars toward the back of the train. There was a cafe/gift shop car and some enclosed passenger cars with cushioned bench seating. (Photo - Mike Colyar)

The landscape switched between beautiful thick timber to open lake shots such as this. (Photo - Nancy Colyar)

The train stops for a picnic lunch break at the Nantahala camp ground. You can walk around and find many scenes like this one and the one following. (Photo - Nancy Colyar)

(Photo - Nancy Colyar)

The fun picture for the day. This is Thomas the tank engine giving the kids a ride. Mr. Pick Vick from El Dorado, AR is doing signal duties at the crossing. Thomas sounds just like he does on television.