Are you searching for a fun and different way to celebrate Mother’s Day with family and friends? Consider a delicious brunch, served at a table with an amazing and ever-changing view of tumbling rivers, forested ridges and rugged basalt cliffs. Share the experience with neighbors from throughout eastern Oregon and visitors from across the country.
All of this is possible when the Eagle Cap Excursion Train begins the 2012 season with the popular Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13. This annual excursion provides a rare opportunity to enjoy the canyon scenery draped in spring greens. The trip departs from the Elgin boarding site at 10 a.m. for a 3.5 hour train ride down the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, then up the Wallowa River to Kimmel. At Kimmel, passengers have the chance to get off the train for a few minutes and enjoy the fresh, piney mountain air before the return trip to Elgin. The meal is prepared and served by Ten Depot Street Restaurant of La Grande and includes a wonderful gourmet selection of breakfast and lunch items and beverages. Prices for this train trip are youth, $40; Adults and Seniors, $75. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Alegre Travel, 541.963.9000 or 800.323.7330, or via email to travel@alegretravel.com.
Proceeds from the Mother’s Day Brunch benefit projects of the Friends of the Joseph Branch, a non-profit organization that preserves and presents the history and enjoyment of the century-old rail line in Wallowa and Union Counties. Members serve as volunteer hosts on the excursions and assist with equipment restoration and other railroad projects. Go to the website, www.eaglecaptrain.com, for information about membership and join in the fun.
The regular excursion season begins June 23. Rumor has it train robbers plan to hit this trip! Be prepared for big laughs and great photo opportunities. Featuring the antics of the Gold Rush Bandits, assisted by the Elgin Stampeders. The full 2012 season schedule will be released soon, with trips departing from Elgin and Joseph, and the introduction of the Blue Goose Steam Excursions.
For additional information and photos, go to www.eaglecaptrain.com. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is operated by Sierra Nevada & Pacific Rail as part of the Wallowa Union Scenic Railway on a stretch of the historic “Joseph Branch.” The 63-mile railroad is owned by Wallowa Union Railroad (WURR), a partnership of the two neighbor counties.
