While researching for our eclipse trip, I discovered that Ely has an excursion train, the Northern Nevada Railway. This should not have come as a surprise to me as we have driven through Ely over a hundred times. But yep, it was news to me. How sad is that.
I will just start by saying we had a fabulous time. Our timing on weather wasn't the greatest. It was a bitterly cold spell, and we picked the coldest windiest day. Yes, two days before and two days after it was nice in Ely. Oh well.
A very brief history -- The railway started in 1906 for the copper mines and passenger service. Regular passenger service and the school train that carried high schoolers from McGill to Ely ended in 1941 with establishment of bus lines. For the 50th anniversary of the railroad, the passenger service equipment was pulled out of retirement and used in a celebration. This was the first excursion trip. In 1983 the Kennecott copper mine closed the mine and train, and by 1987 the Nevada Northern Railway Museum was formed. The National Park Service designated the East Ely Yard as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. And well they should, as it is a step back into a working railroad. Wiki has a nice history page here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada_Northern_Railway which is where I gleaned some of this information.
Our excursion route was on trackage constructed in 1908 on a route known as the Ore Line. It headed up Robinson Canyon and the track was used to haul ore from the Ruth Copper Mining District. And did I mention, it was great fun. We started out in the passenger cars which were heated, and then headed out to the open air car. We thought we would freeze solid, but it was pretty nice. We also looked at the engine house. rolling stock, and associated buildings on our own before the ride. Next time, we will make sure we have time to go on the walking tour after the ride.
And a brief bit on the locomotive 93 that pulled our train. She was built in 1909 and was made to haul heavy freight. In 1952 the other three locomotives supplies in 1909 were scrapped. In 1961 Kennecott Copper donated the locomotive to the White Pine Public Museum as an open air display. In 1990 after almost 30 years as a display 93 was traded to the Northern Nevada Railway Museum. And it 1993, she began hauling excursion trains. This was a brief return to service, as in 1995 she hit a car of railroad ties at 60mph and sustained significant damage. Once again 93 was restored and returned to service in 2002 for the Winter Olympics providing transportation to the Soldier Hollow facilities..
Northern Nevada Railway has a page documenting what it takes to keep these steam engines going, which you can find here.
One of many informational signs about the buildings.
While we were in Ely, we also headed over to Great Basin National Park to go on the Lehman Cave tours. We booked both tours. When we showed up to check in the ranger told us, the one tour is just an abbreviated tour of the other. We thought oh well, we are here, might as well do them both. Turns out we enjoyed going on both. They were lead by different rangers who emphasized different features in the cave.
At times it is a tight squeeze.
The ranger is telling us about bats.
I also earned my Junior Ranger Night Explorer badge and got an eclipse badge too! Not bad for a day in Ely.
After Ely headed to Idaho to visit with my mom. While there we walked the Auger Falls trail in Twin Falls. We were impressed by all the informational signs and the river was beautiful.
I thought this was weird.
And yes the old bridge is being covered with graffiti.
