Saturday, September 8, is what we have been calling the Mystery Tour Train Ride. Many travelers have taken part in a “Mystery Tour,” in which the destination is unknown when the group tour departs its home base, only to be revealed as the tour progresses. In this case, we only go where the track takes us! But, the theme, meal and additional entertainment for this ride will come as a surprise to passengers who like a little bit of suspense in their day. Rest assured, the day includes beautiful scenery and a great lunch!

During the Fall Photo Run, Saturday, September 15, Eric W. Valentine, a La Grande photographer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, conducts a short workshop in the dining car for those who want to take memorable photos. Participants in the workshop will have the first of two run-bys to practice what they have learned. The train ride departs at 10 a.m. for the 5.5 hour ride.

The Wine & Cheese Train takes place Saturday, September 29. This scenic train ride offers exceptional fall colors and provides a wonderful time to relax and unwind. Passengers taste a variety of wines from Copper Belt Winery, poured by the wine maker, and Umapine Creamery serves a sampling of their artisan cheese. A light meal of soup, fruit and bread is served along with the wine and cheese. The ride departs from Elgin at 3 p.m. for an early evening ride, so bring a jacket in case the evening mountain air feels chilly. Expect to return to the depot by 7 p.m. (Not recommended nor priced for riders under 21.)

More of the popular train robberies are offered Saturday, October 6 and Saturday, October 13.  The Autumn Train Robbery features the notorious Gold Rush Bandits, who hide out in the woods and wait for the train to roll into their territory! Mounted on horses, bandits flag down the train and climb on board. The train ride departs from Elgin Depot at 10 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m.

Our last train ride of 2018 takes place Saturday, October 20. The Two Rivers End of Season Bounty follows the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers as they tumble their courses and join together at Rondowa. We will depart in the afternoon so passengers can catch the end of the fall colors, with the golden Tamarack trees a highlight. They will dine on wonderful locally grown food and craft beverages. This ride departs from Elgin Depot at 2 p.m. and returns at about 6 p.m. (Not recommended nor priced for riders under 21.)

Get all of the meal details and further information and book your reservations by visiting www.eaglecaptrainrides.com. Or, if you prefer to talk to a travel agent, call Alegre Travel, 800.323.7330, and ask for Kori.

On Sunday, May 13, the annual Mother’s Day Brunch Train leaves the depot at 10 a.m., with the promise of a wonderful brunch by Chuckwagon Sisters of Joseph. There will be a variety of breakfast and lunch entrées, salads, fruit and pastries. Mothers receive a corsage to take home and memories of the day to keep for a lifetime.

Ed Spaulding, volunteer engineer and President of the Friends of the Joseph Branch, the non-profit organization that manages the excursion train, says the 2018 season will be a busy one for the volunteer car hosts and crew.

“We have 19 trips scheduled, including the new Seeking Bigfoot Train, happening Saturday, July 28,” Spaulding said.  “There is an increasing amount of interest in the Bigfoot Legend. People are fascinated by stories that go back centuries, about a giant primate in the Blue Mountains.” Spaulding said the ride will be fun as well as enlightening. “We’ll be announcing our guest expert within a few weeks.”

The Wine & Chocolates Train, an evening ride on June 2, features a tasting of wines from Echo Ridge Cellars of Echo, paired with chocolates from Arrowhead Chocolates of Joseph. September 29, the focus shifts to wine and cheese, with Copper Belt Winery of Baker City and Umapine Creamery, located near Milton-Freewater, again serving samples of their specialties.

Train robberies always fill the train with passengers who love the added fun and excitement provided by bandits on horseback, who board the train and leave with glittering gold.  The Gold Rush Bandits have nefarious plans for June 16 & 17, October 6 and October 13. Also returning in the fall is a train ride designed with photographers in mind. With a brief workshop in one car, led by respected photographer Eric Valentine, this trip makes special stops to let photographers off the train for run-bys, giving them excellent views of the train as it passes. This is a fun trip for all passengers, not just photographers.

Other highlights of the season are Father’s Day Lunch, the I Love America! Train, and many opportunities to simply relax, enjoy the scenery and visit with fellow passengers who come from around the world. Read the trip descriptions and get your tickets online at www.eaglecaptrainrides.com, or call Alegre Travel, 800.323.7330, where agents can also help you with lodging and other vacation planning.
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