Train Tunnels

We went up by the ski resorts to hike through a few train tunnels. These tunnels are no longer in use, that was a requirement of mine before I agreed to make this a family activity. These tunnels were part of the Transcontinental Railroad. They were built in 1868 by the Central Pacific Railroad. It was all constructed by hand-crazy! There are modifications (i.e. cement) done to the tunnels today, but a lot of the original tunnels are still in tact.  It was close to an hour and twenty minutes drive, so I was crossing my fingers that it was going to be worth the travel time. It was definitely worth it-we all loved the adventure.

This was the first tunnel we went through. It was about 1700 ft long (Bryan is the trivia guy).

I may have done a pretty good, "Choo-Choo" once inside the tunnel. Luke did not appreciate my sense of humor. Once I reassured him the train tracks weren't even in the tunnel so there is no way a train would be coming, we continued along our way. I'm horrible, but it still makes me chuckle when I type this. 

Apparently, there are some that choose to beautify these tunnels with creative and colorful artwork. 

These are the best "thug" pics we snapped of these two-I'm not too convinced they were the artists.

Emma was quite affectionate on our hike-it was nice to feel so genuinely loved.

This is nicknamed "The Chinese Wall" because it was built entirely by hand, no mortar by the Chinese. The Railroad was built right on top of this wall.

Creating "magic" with dirt…lots and lots of dirt. 

Those dirty faces are the biggest sign that a great time was had. :)