We got word that hiking pal Suzanne was in Durango and taking the early train to Silverton (there is no midnight train to Silverton). So we weighed the pros and cons of driving twenty six miles in order to let someone buy our lunch and beer… and showed up. How gracious are we?
Suzanne only had a two hour stopover and got caught up in the crush of a bunch of old Red Hat Society ladies, all trying to mass exit the train in unison. They were all gussied up in fancy red hats and wearing loud purple dresses decorated with rhinestones and sequin do-dads. Had I not known better, I'd of swore there was a Glen Campbell concert in town.
It can be treacherous pushing through a perfumed pack of purple people eaters—hair sprayed solid as fins on a '59 Caddy. I got the impression that there was only one thing on their collective mindset. Lunch. "Where we gonna eat?" You could see hunger in their eyes, like a pack of wolves working a newborn fawn. Kinda reminded me of my mom when she'd get an attack of low blood sugar.
The problem with having lunch in Silverton is that it's like Easter Sunday at high noon every time a steam train chugs into town. People disgorge onto streets like starving prisoners of war, fanning out in search of food and beverage and ice cream. One guy called in a bomb threat just to clear his favorite eatery.
 |
| A posse of gals asking for directions to "food and drink" |
Warning to tall "bleeder" type dudes in ball caps: Judging from the scar on my forehead, I'd say the restaurant's sign hangs over the entry at right about about 6 feet 1 inch, well hidden by the bill on my ball cap. It laid me out cold, coming and going.
 |
| Beware of the low hanging "Avalanche" sign over the short dude's head… |
 |
| Suzanne in her 1st Class Glass Carriage, preparing to depart. "All aboard." |
Love, Love, LOVE your description of the Red Hat Society crowd!! Glad you got Suzanne to buy you lunch!
ReplyDeleteI knew there was a good reason we didn't ride that train. Maybe it's just me but I don't get the red hat thing.
ReplyDeleteGayle
Too funny! Glad you were able to beat the crowd for a good brew! Nice of you to join Suzanne:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for gracing me with your presence for lunch. It made the trip that much more enjoyable. But thank you even more for whisking me through the sea of sequins! Like having my own "fixer," ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat descriptive post.... and superb pictures as usual.
ReplyDeleteThose red hat ladies are quite the entourage! I am really happy Suzanne didn't get off the train in red and purple!
ReplyDeleteYou and your use of song lyrics! However, the "perfumed pack of purple people eaters" is such an apt description. Sometimes lyrics just fit the bill. Speaking of music (and bills)...sounds like that sign was a real head-banger!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite place in all the World is Silverton, CO....minus the red hat ladies. Thank you for your memorable post.
ReplyDeleteLove your street pictures Mark! And your hilarious descriptions...great way to start the day!
ReplyDeleteMark, you are so entertaining! Ever thought about being a stand-up comic? You would be a good one. Lovely Ouray could use one.
ReplyDeleteLaverne
We had a guy on the ship who never could get the knack for going through a water tight door, that of ducking at the same time as stepping high. He was made to wear a helmet liner after the third time he was found unconscious at a water tight door opening. Just saying...
ReplyDeleteIt's very entertaining just to listen and watch as the trains approach Silverton. I'm sure that Suzanne was glad you met her at the train station. You should have invited the Red Hat ladies on a hike near Silverton. That would have made for some colorful trail photos.
ReplyDeleteOMG - I love those Red Hat ladies! There was a group of them in a town I lived in and they always seemed to be having a blast. I'm not much of a joiner, but it must be tough to be a very social person and not have a mate or family nearby to socialize with. (Don't put them down, Mark, when you're a little old lady you might want to join. LOL ) Love the photos - that train ride sure goes through some beautiful land.
ReplyDeleteHey! Don't make fun of the Red Hats! I am "Queen" of a group here in Virginia and we have so much fun! Some are single/widowed and some have homebound disabled husbands like I do. We all help each other and care about each other. And it gets us out of the house for a few laughs. My husband and I took very early retirement and were full-timers, too. We'd still be travelling if he hadn't become disabled. Late eighties. When we travelled, there were no cell phones, solar and other conveniences like you all have now. (And, yes, we walked miles to school in the snow! LOL) So, be careful! You might end up as a Red Hat, too! LOL Love your blog! And I still like to read about this lifestyle. My sister and her husband are retiring in four years and selling everything and hitting the road, too.
ReplyDeleteYou're killing me today. I think being an invalid has sharpened your wit. Endorphin withdrawal could perhaps lead to a career as a stand-up comedian?
ReplyDeleteBTW, we're in Va. so we don't dress like those ladies did. Only red hats occasionally. We are in the conservative part of the world, after all! Near the Blue Ridge Parkway. You are too funny!
ReplyDeleteWell, Ann, I appreciate you not taking this post too seriously. Those Red Hat ladies in Silverton were certainly a rowdy bunch :) Must have been affiliated with the Southern Baptist/Pentecostal branch :).
DeleteThanks,
mark
Thanks to Ann... I always wondered what those red hats are all about.
DeleteMark... such lovely images. I've missed my visits here. Sometimes life just dumps on you for awhile and buries you. (Figuratively speaking, for now at any rate!)