Summer Vacation 2013: Day Twelve: Nevada Northern Railway And Great Basin National Park!!!

 Today was our last day of vacation. That's right...we head home tomorrow. Our last day was really chill and relaxing; with the fact that we got to explore the Nevada Northern Railway train workshop (awesome); and we also ventured over to the Great Basin, since we were so close to it. When we arrived at the railroad museum/rail yard and historical buildings...we immediately knew that the steamer that was scheduled to run, was in fact cancelled, and they were running the diesel today, instead. So you can imagine, we were bummed...BUT what was awesome, was the fact that the shop guys allowed us in the huge machine shop and engine house, while they were there working, to allow us to explore (at our own risk). We had never been into a real machine shop or engine house (active one) before, and the steamer that they had running, just yesterday, still had a little steam coming out of it's stack. This building was so cool and old, and housed many types of engines, machinery. I even took a few pictures of where the old bathroom/showers/lockers were. That stuff is no longer in use, so you can see how old it all is. Jeff was in train heaven, getting to see all of that! Cute. After that cool experience, we drove to the Great Basin National Park. That was new territory for all of us, and a beautiful sight. You just don't expect to see the mountains, trees and water flowing, in the middle of literally no where! After our outdoor jaunt, we stopped in at the little café at the visitor center, and got us some malts for Jeff and I, and ice cream cones for the kids! Back at the KOA, a load of laundry, I cooked us up some steaks, some sitting by the fire, enjoying our last night away from home. This has been an unforgettable vacation, and I will always treasure it! I know the kids will also always keep this vacation in their memories. Seeing some of the best of this country has been a blessing. We have a very long day tomorrow, on the road home, so I pray for a continued safe journey. Thank you Lord for blessing us with this opportunity, to spend quality family time, and getting the chance to appreciate your beautiful scenery.