Tammie and Patrick Matthews

Concert contest winners Tammie and Patrick Matthews raised four boys with little time for themselves, so when their 20th anniversary came around, they were looking for something special to do. And they found it at the top of La Veta Pass.

"My husband and I both grew up listening to Michael Martin Murphey and were very excited to get a chance to see him in concert and ride a train! And so the planning began

"We picked a weekend, purchased tickets, reserved a motel room in Alamosa and the anticipation began to build for our weekend getaway.

"As we packed our overnight bags into our pickup, climbed in and began the trek from Canon City to Alamosa, we could hardly believe our day had finally arrived. We had spent the past twenty years raising four boys and while that was a wonderful, exciting journey, we were long overdue for some time on our own!

"Our drive to Alamosa was fantastic. Dinner out and a motel stay were treats beyond compare. Then..an early morning arrival at the train station!! There was nothing like the feel of watching the steam engine as it pulled into the station--the sound of the train, the steam spewing up into the blue sky, people everywhere lining up to board the train--we felt as if we had stepped back into time!

"We boarded the train and had seats in the dome car. The view wasspectacular. The whole train ride was incredible! The easy, relaxing rhythm of the train traveling forced both of us to relax and let go of time.
We were able to just enjoy everything!! We watched for animals, met people from other places, enjoyed the mountain scenery and couldnt believe it when we stopped for Michael Martin Murphey and his band to board the train and ride the rest of the way with us!!! Way cool!!

"Before we knew it, the train was pulling into Fir Summit. After a great barbeque lunch we set our chairs down by the stage and enjoyed a show that we could never have imagined!! Michael Martin Murphy and others singing, story telling of cross country train rides, the most gorgeous setting ever; it was a perfect afternoon!"

The Matthews had the whole family there for Murph's visit, at least 15 people were in the room! And they were having a party with sandwiches and cookies. It was as much fun for Murph and the crew as it was for the Matthews.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
• Concert Contest
• Michael Martin Murphey