Wilmington and Western

 When my husband told me he had already booked tickets for a Saturday morning trip on the Wilmington and Western, I was dubious.  I wasn't sure how an hour and a half trip would be for a two and a half year attention span.  I also wasn't too pleased with the idea waking up early on Saturday to make the two hour trek to Delaware.

We've been on small train excursions before at the B&O Railroad Museum.  While they were nice, they aren't much for a toddler and didn't really hold my sons attention.  The trips are only 20 minutes and there isn't much to look at for scenery.  He much preferred watching the train pull out of the station and return than he did riding in the passenger cabins.

When we pulled into the gravel parking lot of the station at 9:30am for our 10:30am trip, my initial doubts started slipping away.  The station was already bustling with activity.  There were a few antique cars all primped and polished in the front for viewing and the food vendors were setting up for the afternoon.  The old water tower stood to the side next to the small museum building.  The station was open for those needing to purchase tickets, had a picture taking station and a gift shop where I spent too much money :)

The train pulled in just before 10:00am.  I couldn't do my sons reaction justice, so I'll just put in the video.

The Wilmington and Western is an all volunteer railroad.  You can tell as the staff love their jobs and are smiling from ear to ear.  The total trip is approximately an hour and a half; 30 minutes up to a picnic area, a 20 minute stop (this can be made longer should you want to stay for the next train) and 30 minutes return.  The train crosses several streets, so you get to hear the whistle blow often as well as the ding-ding-ding of the railroad crossing.  There were entertainers on hand to fill the space just in case there were any down moments - we saw a banjoist during our ride out and a magician on the way back - although we would have been fine with nothing as the scenery is spectacular.  My son loved going over the many creeks and streams we passed along the way and while there are no tunnels there is a deep gorge that gives almost the same effect.  During the summer, the windows are open as the cars have no air conditioning, although the do have heat for winter trips.  There is an open air car in the back, and you can rent the caboose for parties.  There were two cabooses on our trip, both rented so we couldn't get on to check them out.

The stopping point was rudimentary, but the location would be perfect for a beautiful day picnic.  There is a stream there, although the conductor does ask that you keep kids away from the edge.  There are bathrooms on the train so if you're planning on staying at the picnic area for awhile I would suggest making sure all little ones go before they get off.  If you do choose to stay for a picnic, the next train is another two hours off.

We had a wonderful experience, and hope to go back again with family and make a day of it with a picnic.  It will be beautiful in the fall, so if we manage it, I'll be sure to be posting pictures.

More information on Wilmington and Western can be found here : http://www.wwrr.com/default.aspx

And of course - PICTURES!!!!

Charles and Me

Zach and Charles

Wilmington and Western Train

Charles was a little freaked out by the steam at the beginning of the trip.

Charles mugging for the camera.

Train Wheels

The Cabin

Hi Daddy!

We had to keep reminding Charles not to lean too far out the windows.

So excited!

The banjo man

Charles at the picnic area

He wanted to see the bell

Shoveling coal

Pretty picture :)

Charles and Zach on the return trip

Our friend Mike

Choo-Choo!!!!!!

Chugga-Chugga-Choo-Choo!!!!!!  This was my sons first phrase and he repeats it endlessly.  He is enamored with trains.  Not your normal toddler fare of Thomas and Chugginton, although he likes them well enough, but what really excites him are the real Iron Horses.  At two and a half, he knows the difference betweens a steam train and diesel, a monorail and a maglev, a trolly and a streetcar.  Not much makes his eyes light up more than the sound of the train whistle.

My husband has always had a fascination with steam trains but never took the time to pick up the hobby.  I remember when he had to go to Omaha for a work trip.  He was dreading it, as he was traveling alone, and didn't know much about the area.  When he got there, he discovered it was the home of a Big Boy and a UP Challenger and kept me on the phone for hours explaining why this was a Big Deal.  It's still his favorite train and he now longs to go back to Omaha for another glimpse.

So now, we have trains in my sons bedroom, in our living room and in our basement.  We go on train vacations, listen to train music and read train stories.  We buy every toddler train t-shirt we can find.

My world has become all about trains and I love it.  There is nothing better than seeing my husband and son bond over this shared love.  I hope it continues for many years and these pages are my attempt to continue to foster this love.