Being a longstanding member of the “bucket list brigade,” I have made it my goal to ride as many scenic trains as possible over the years. So while being in Ouray in such close proximity to the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, it was not a matter of “if,” but “when.” I did a lot of research online to figure out which car, which seats, which route etc. would offer me the most pleasurable experience during peak tourist season. But then Bobbie sent me off on a different rail path altogether when she mentioned the Durango bi-annual Blues Train. Live blues bands? On a train? How could I resist?

Hanging in and out of the Blues Train

Views along the Animas River are fleeting following a 7:00pm departure.

The line-up would be eight cars on the railway, plus the coal-fired, steam locomotive engine. Two cars on each end would carry the larger bands, and have no seats to allow for dancing. Moving inward, two cars would be seating only. And the remaining four cars would carry a different solo/duo act set up on the middle of the car, with seating all around. The train would pull out of the station at 7:00pm, go up to the Highline Scenic overlook, and be back in Durango by 11:00pm. Beer and wine would be served on the train.

Two end cars were set up with no seating, for larger bands.

I hoped the entire train would not be like this!

Going solo in restaurants or tourist attractions never really bothers me, but I draw the line at bars. I am not comfortable sidling up on a bar stool as a single woman. So this Blues Train was on the cusp of my comfort zone. But it seemed like such a fun venue, it seemed worthy of a little “Party of one?” discomfort. People were very friendly, and after a few trips from one end of the train to the other, I settled in to enjoy the music, a cold beer, and the people-watching parade of intoxicated women trying to navigate a narrow gauge rail car in high heels.

This is “Big Jim Adam,” my second favorite act. Very soulful, with a few Edgar Winter credits to his name.

Charlie Parr from Minnesota

Reverend Deadeye. Gotta hand it to these guys for doing what they do, rockin’ on the rickety rails.

Of the four solo/duo acts, I find two that are to my musical liking, so I grab a seat in that car, and enjoy the show. My favorite musician was a guy named Konrad West, whose act was called “Possessed by Paul James.” He did indeed seem possessed at times as he ran through instruments and a repertoire like a mad man. He went from rhythm guitar to acoustic guitar to the banjo to the fiddle to the voila and back again. And when the train stopped and Konrad temporarily lost power to his rhythm guitar, he set the instrument down and used his “beat box body parts” and wooden platform beneath his feet to finish the song, never missing a beat. The rail car was literally rocking from side to side as he belted out “Older in my body than my heart.” That’s one young heart!

Konrad West, aka “Possessed by Paul James.”

It was quite a novelty being on a train with so many blues acts, as well as entertaining to watch the musicians adapt. (Mid-song, “Hey!! We’re moving!! AAAGGGHH!”) But the Blues Train did not travel as far as the most scenic section of the gorge, cut deep by the Animas River. And it was a cloudy night, leaving me with only a half an hour of light to enjoy the scenery. In other words, it was a fun “musical experience,” but not the “scenic train experience” I was seeking. So it only stands to reason, I should go again!

Coming up….the full experience of the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway.