A number of years ago my husband had one of the few good experiences with my father.  Dad was a bit of a miserable sod, but we had bitten the bullet and taken my Mom and Dad to the west coast as a 50th anniversary present.  Dad was a steam train buff, so thrilled to visit North Vancouver to see the Royal Hudson, a restored steam train.

Dad was thrilled when we got tickets for the "boys" to take the train up the coast.  They often talked about that day trip and how much they enjoyed both the scenery and the  steam train experience.  So we were sadden to find the Royal Hudson no longer taking tourists and steam enthusiasts for a jaunt.

Imagine my smiles when I read that on Monday, February 8, 2010, the Royal Hudson steam train will make a monumental passenger trip from Vancouver to White Rock, with a return trip the following day. This 2010 visit will take place in connection with the winter event the Bite of the Rock dining event (visit www.biteoftherock.com). 

“We are delighted to be able to have the Royal Hudson chug along White Rock’s pristine waterfront once again,” said Don Evans, president of the West Coast Railway Association. Train passengers are invited to stay overnight and enjoy the hospitality of the beautiful waterfront community before heading back to Vancouver on February 9. Visit www.tourismwhiterock.com for a list of local accommodations of B&B’s and hotels.

Tickets go on sale in January through West Coast Rail Tours. Tickets for the Royal Hudson are $125 for a one way trip, with return transportation by bus, or $250 for a round trip on the classic steam train.This journey wouldn’t be possible without the partnering of  BNFS Railway and the West Coast Railway Association.

Wish we could be aboard, instead of sitting here waiting for the next snow storm in Prince Edward Island.  After a couple of sunny, teaser days of mild weather the forecasters are threatening snow and minus double digit temperatures.  Brrrr.