Day Out With Thomas - 2007

Saturday July 21, 2007

Once again, Thomas the Tank Engine has returned to the Northwest. With much excitement and anticipation, we drove to Snoqualmie bright and early for our scheduled 9:45AM ride behind Thomas. We arrived at 8:45 and people were already waiting to board the 9:00 ride. Andrew and I explored the museum while Susan claimed the number two spot in line for the 9:45 ride. Inside the museum, we found a Lego train set model of Sodor Island, an HO scale layout with Thomas and Friends running about, an operating air horn system, and a bookstore full of train-related books, toys, and shirts. Outside the museum, we walked past a half dozen food vendors preparing for the lunch crowd and into a tent full of Thomas paraphernalia.

Before long Thomas returned from his first trip of the day. Andrew and I rejoined Susan in line and watched the passengers unload. Soon it was time to start boarding the train. After last years' poor seating choice, we knew exactly where we wanted to sit - thus explaining why Susan was standing in line so early. We went straight to car three and claimed three wicker seats next to a large opening in the side of a passenger/mail car - Perfect!

At 9:45 we were on our way to Snoqualmie Falls. I moved back from the gate that protects the opening and let two kids stand in front of me as we puffed along down the track. We puffed past the collection of old steam engines and boxcars and over the road crossing, then past the old station and hydro-electric building, and finally to the top of the Falls. Andrew and I walked to the end of the train and looked at the back of Thomas, then back through the train to see the river valley some 200 feet below.

All too soon, Thomas surged forward and we headed back to Snoqualmie. With the highlight complete, we searched for other things to entertain ourselves. Andrew climbed into the cabin of the museum steam engine and "drove" the train for awhile, then we moved along and rode the Speeder down the track. Finally, Andrew played in the Bouncer. By this time, I was feeling pretty hungry, so we crossed the street to the Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory and had "Grinders", chips, and Tator Tots. We all shared an Orange Creamcicle Italian Soda, for dessert. Another nice day out with Thomas, but this time it was much more enjoyable.