No. 6060.

Today we had some super family time aboard the locomotive No. 6060!

Doesn't it look boss in that photo? Don's father used to help restore old trains back in the day and Don has actually climbed inside the firebox in this engine. Very neat.

Initially I had purchased Don a gift certificate for Alberta Prairie Railway, for his birthday. A friend/mom of my students had recommended it as a neat gift that she had given once. I figured Don loves trains and it would be a fun family thing to do in the summer when he had more time.

I had no idea that Don and his family had history with this locomotive and he had actually taken the trip before. It starts in Stettler, goes to Big Valley where you do sightseeing and have a community league roast beef dinner, and then back again.

This is the coach that Don's father worked on.

Don said he used to sit in here and read a lot of books while his dad was wood-working.

Hey!

There were these antique sinks.

Inside one of the coaches that still has its exposed mahogany wood with brass fixings.

Inside another coach.

From the open air windows of the observatory coach.

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The concession coach (lots of toys and treats for everybody). I bought four 15 cent twizzlers, Don had a freezee for 50 cents and we also had bottles of root beer. Seriously, the prices were a blast from the past.

Popcorn.

Dexter and his mommy.

The prairies.

The Lone Star coach! It's the last coach and also the pub with live music and lots of merriment.

Salty snacks to go with bottles of brew.

Back in the all-ages part of the train, Dexter stares out the window.

Then we got robbed by bandits! A very cute show for the kids and families. The proceeds from the robbery go to children's hospitals in Calgary and Edmonton.

Dexter continues to practice his walking.

And window gazing.

Then we arrived in Big Valley!

There were two baggage coaches that have been transformed into little museums. One has old antique tools.

The other has a comprehensive collection of salt & pepper shakers! Seriously impressive.

There was a little boardwalk with a cute little fudge place, ice cream place, art gallery, and bakery. I bought us 4 huge cinnamon buns and a bumble berry pie. There was a little tea house on the other side of the bakery that was really charming.

Big Valley also had one of my favourite pieces of prairie architecture.

A grain elevator!

I took a moment to pose on a rusty piece of farm equipment.

The ride back was fun too. Don took some snaps of this awesome piece of machinery before we headed home.

Mr. Conductor!

And a sight we're used to seeing here on the blog. Two wheels:)

I would recommend this little tour of the prairies to anybody. It's quaint and refreshing to get out of the city. The staff were wonderful and attentive, and most of all it was just great to experience a connection to our past by being on the locomotive. There never seems to be a shortage of awe and wonderment at big old trains, particularly from boys of all ages. Even as a train-novice lady like myself, it's impossible not to be impressed by such a thing.

Choo choo!