The East Texas Train Ride

Ole No. 7 wasn't just a train, but a steam engine built around 1929.

It is mid July and the searing heat leaves little doubt that we are indeed in Texas.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife staff run the train rides between the Rusk and Palestine state parks. Built by prisoners and supervised by the state prison system the line was completed in 1909. The 25 mile track winds deeply through the East Texas woods . One train from Palestine to Rusk and back. The other train from Rusk to Palestine and back. They meet at mid track and pass(twice daily on wkends) at "the switch".

High game fences border the southern side of the tracks for several miles. I wonder what lies beyond. We pass by giant oak trees, cypress swamps, pine thickets and pastures. I'm wondering what's around the next corner.

The train chugs along at a hypnotic pace. Easy to think of a simper lifestyle when this engine was in it's heyday. The windows are half-down letting little breeze in as we pass high over the Neches river.

The bell tolls constantly and the whistle blows at every road crossing. People gather and wave like they've never saw the train before, we wave back like we've never saw people . Funny because the train runs this same route every Saturday and Sunday through summer......... although this is our first visit ever.

We snake our way toward the other depot. The Rusk station features a 15 acre lake. The small lake is covered in lilypads and cypress trees. It offers picnicing, paddle boats, and fishing. We opt for the picnic during this 1 1/2 hr. lay over plus a quick stoll along the lake shore and into the unique train gift shop.

Always wanted to make the train ride, but never found the time. Seems state park funding is low on the priority list as the state's purse strings are tightened. The Ole train may be a thing of the past soon.... as the story is being told.

Glad we made the journey...life is short!