ELGIN, OREGON__The Eagle Cap Excursion Train normally kicks off the new season with the popular Mother’s Day Brunch. In 2018, May 5th just happens to fall on a Saturday, so they are beginning the season early and offering the opportunity for passengers to celebrate the Mexican Holiday on the train. Cinco De Mayo Restaurant, of La Grande will provide the delicious and authentic Mexican meal, along with decorations and a festive atmosphere. The beautiful spring scenery just comes naturally! This ride will depart the Elgin Depot at 11 a.m., and return around 2:30 p.m. Choose from a beef, chicken or vegetarian meal.
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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