Riding the Galloping Goose with a good buddy and the Gazette

Last October, Scott Aijo of Lewes and Delray Beach, Fla., met up with high school friend Bryan Green of Kalispell, Mont. They flew to Albuquerque and drove to Chama, N.M., for a ride on the narrow‑gauge train Galloping Goose. The train is an all‑day adventure that starts in northern New Mexico and meanders in and out of Colorado. The aspens were a brilliant yellow with touches of red, offering color that rivaled the best of New England. The Galloping Goose carries about 20 passengers and is staffed by an engineer, a trainman and a tour guide in the back. The crew members are all volunteers who perform a labor of love to keep the track open and running. The train is based in Dolores, Colo., and operates from Chama, N.M., to Antonito, N.M., on September and October weekends. In the spring, it runs from Durango, Colo., to Silverton, Colo. Lunch is provided, and the train makes several photo stops along the route. They even do fly‑bys, where everyone gets off the train. It backs up, and then comes flying by. It was an unforgettable adventure with an old pal and the Gazette!