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INNOVATIONS MARK EXCURSION SEASON
 Eagle Cap Excursion Train's first two trips of the year will feature holiday brunches. (Observer file photo). The new Wallowa Union Railroad excursion schedule includes all of the proven favorites from the Past two seasons, plus some new twists on the tried and true. Train officials and Friends of the Joseph branch, the volunteer organization that helps with passenger and excursion management, say they are pleased with the variety and type of trips they will offer on the publicly-owned line in 2006. "We are happy with this year's schedule and think it will prove popular with visitors and residents alike," said Mary Ann Keyser, excursion train coordinator. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is operated by the Wallowa Union Railroad, with assistance from the Friends of the Joseph Branch. It runs on the 60 miles of track between Elgin and Joseph, and is owned by Wallowa and Union Counties through an intergovernmental agreement. The railroad also operates a freight train. Rail officials and the Friends group have been working to build excursion ridership, and say that efforts are paying off. Response to the excursion train was excellent in 2005, according to Keyser. In spite of mid-season equipment challenges, the train brought in considerably more revenue than the previous year, she said. In addition, Keyser said group tour operators brought several motor coaches full of passengers and some charters were sold for unscheduled days. "Each season teaches us more about what our passengers want. That seems to include variety in the length of trips and what can be seen along different portions of the railroad," Keyser said. Innovations for the coming year include holiday brunches, a tour of the Lookingglass Fish Hatchery and excursions that combine rail and motor coach travel. The first two trips of the year will be holiday brunches, Keyser said. The Easter Sunday Brunch, April 16, will leave the Wallowa boarding site at 10 a.m. and follow the route of the "Canyon Cruise," going as far as Kimmell, a siding down river from Minam, before reversing direction and returning to Wallowa. The trip takes about four and a half hours and offers all of the valley, river and canyon scenery passengers love. The brunch buffet will include an array of breakfast and lunch items, from sliced baked ham and scrambled eggs to pastries, lunch meats, fruit and salads. A similar buffet will be served and the same route will be traveled for the Mother's Day Sunday Brunch trip on May 14. "The holiday brunches are wonderful ways to treat loved ones to a relaxing and scenic train ride and a delicious meal Mom doesn't have to prepare," said Keyser. Other special trips for the new year are the Palmer Junction/Lookingglass Fish Hatchery trip Sept. 9, which includes a field trip off of the train for a special guided tour of the hatchery. New slants on the previous Valley Voyage runs have been added, too. "There was a lot of interest in taking the train back to Joseph," Keyser said. "The idea came up to make them one-way train rides instead of our usual round trips." Passengers will have the option of boarding at Wallowa in the morning and riding across the valley to Joseph, then taking a motor coach back to Wallowa, or boarding the train in the afternoon at Joseph, riding to Wallowa and taking a motor coach back to Joseph. The trips will include about 2.5 hours on the train and a 30-minute motor coach ride. The morning trip will include a light lunch while the afternoon passengers will enjoy a dessert buffet. The full season begins with a Canyon Cruise on Saturday, May 27, Memorial Day weekend. After that, trips are offered for every Saturday through most of October, plus a few Thursdays. In addition, the train can be chartered for special events, such as reunions, weddings and parties. For ticket prices and reservations call Alegre Travel in La Grande, 541-963-9000 or 1-800-323-7330. Alegre Travel can also assist with lodging and travel arrangements. For charter information, contact Keyser, 541-886-3200. Keyser said the railroad and Friends of the Joseph Branch hope area residents will join in to help market the excursions. "With our limited marketing budget, we need people to tell their friends and relatives about the excursions, and help us promote riding the train," she said. "The new schedule has lots to offer and it's time to spread the word and begin selling tickets." A complete description of the trips is available at www.eaglecaptrain.com or by calling Union County Tourism, 541-963-8588, or the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, 541-426-4622. 2006 EAGLE CAP EXCURSION TRAIN SCHEDULE April 16, Sunday, Easter Sunday Brunch May 14, Sunday, Mother's Day Sunday Brunch May 27, Saturday, Two Rivers Run (*Elgin) June 3, Saturday, Two Rivers Run - History theme June 10, Saturday, Canyon Cruise June 15, Thursday, Canyon Cruise June 17, Saturday, Valley Voyage Expresses June 24, Saturday, Winding Waters Dinner Train July 1, Saturday, Palmer Picnic July 8, Saturday, Palmer Picnic July 13, Thursday, Two Rivers Run July 15, Saturday, Canyon Cruise July 22, Saturday, Two Rivers Run (*Elgin) July 29, Saturday, Canyon Cruise August 5, Saturday, Two Rivers Run - Mountain Music Aug. 12, Saturday, Two Rivers Run (*Elgin) Aug. 17, Thursday, Valley Voyage Expresses Aug. 19, Saturday, Valley Dinner Train to Joseph Aug. 26, Saturday, Two Rivers Run (*Elgin) Sept. 2, Saturday, Canyon Cruise Sept. 9, Saturday, Palmer/Lookingglass Fish Hatchery Sept. 14, Thursday, Two Rivers Run Sept. 16, Saturday, Canyon Cruise Sept. 23, Saturday, Two Rivers Run (*Elgin) Sept. 30, Saturday, Canyon Cruise - Brunch Oct. 7, Saturday, Canyon Cruise - Fall Foliage Oct. 12, Thursday, Two Rivers Run Oct. 14, Saturday, Canyon Cruise - Fall Foliage Oct. 21, Saturday, Two Rivers Run All excursions are round trips departing from Wallowa except when noted as (*Elgin). These excursions tentatively depart from Elgin at the western end of the railroad. For these trips, please confirm place of departure one week prior to the trip. |
