Skunk Train

What is a Skunk Train? Is it a train of skunks? A train that stinks?

It's a train that stinks! Back when the Skunk Train started operating, it used gasoline to power its engines. It also used crude oil in what was called pot-belied stoves to keep passengers warm. These smells combined made a pungent odor. People could smell the train before they could see it. It got the nickname "Skunk Train" and the name stuck. Now in modern times, the train has an occasional stench, but not the way it used to be.

The Skunk Train is probably the most famous attraction in Fort Bragg, along with Glass Beach.

The train's mascot is a skunk, of course.

Mr Duffy loves choo-choos, so this was going to be fun for him.

And for me, too!

This is the car we would ride in.

The water tower for the steam engines.

The cool thing about the train benches is they can be moved forward or backward - you can have a row for two, or make it set for four. So anyone can face any direction they would like.

As we made our way out of the town, we passed a cemetery.

And we headed into the trees.

More trees.

One of the awesome things about the train is they sell snacks, drinks, and wine, of course, as this is in a wine region. We bought a souvenir bucket full of popcorn. Yum!

Trees!

Halfway through the trip, we stopped at a place in the redwoods where passengers can get off the train and look at trees. I wish we had more time to spend here. A picnic in the redwoods would be awesome.

Oh, look - more trees!

After our ride, we visited the gift shop. I picked up some magnets, postcards, pins, and a bottle of skunk train wine, which I would later find out tasted just like skunk. Not good! 😂

 It was a lot of fun, and I do say anyone visiting Fort Bragg should take a couple of hours to visit the museum and ride the train.