New Hope Valley Railway
We made a little excursion to the New Hope Valley Railway today.
Waiting to buy tickets in the hot sun was the pits. We missed the 12:15 train, but did make the 1:30 train which was fortunate. Fortunate, because the engine for our ride was a steam locomotive—number 17—built in 1941 by Vulcan Iron Works and not one of the diesel-electric engines operated by the New Hope Valley Railway. We rode in open-air cars which made the ride even better. After our train left the station the conductor announced that Congressman David Price was riding with us. He was there as part of New Hope Valley Railway’s Centennial celebration. I got a couple of pics of the congressman, pretty cool.
On the way back to the station, our engine had a problem. Number 17 uncoupled and another engine came up behind and pushed us home—that was so cool! Leaving the New Hope Valley Railway, about 150 bikers rode by us—part of the celebration I assume.
Anyway, the New Hope Valley Railway gives you a great ride and kids love it; so check it out if you can.
The New Hope Valley Railway is located in Bonsal, North Carolina.
