I feel that I must respond to Tim Wolf’s letter in the Herald (“
I will start by saying that I love the train. It is a beautiful historic part of Durango.
I can only assume that Tim is new here and doesn’t understand the importance of the train. It brings more than a “few tourist dollars,” not only to Durango, but to Silverton. Silverton really depends on the train for tourist income.
Did Tim notice the train when he moved here? Now he is complaining about the carcinogenic smoke and the noise. Many of us think the noise of the whistle or the bells is wonderful and nostalgic.
Durango has grown over the last few years and the traffic has increased. Doesn’t that increase pollution?
I wonder if Tim has ridden the train. If he were to do so, he may change his opinion. It is a gorgeous ride. He should see the kids’ delight when they get to ride The Polar Express.
Talk to anyone who works for the train and understand how much people who love trains feel.
Sadly, in my opinion, Durango is going the way of Aspen and Telluride. The super wealthy come in and take over.
Durango used to be a fun cowboy and hippie town. These people come in and want to change the way things are. The train has been here a lot longer than people like Tim Wolf – and I, for one, hope it always remains.
Melissa Strand
Bayfield
