Robbers make their escape.

The year is young, but the Friends of the Joseph Branch are already busy planning the 2014 excursion season train rides. In 2014, we are offering an expanded schedule that has more variety, including some mid-week and evening trips, trips to and out of Minam and more choices in the length your train ride. Some trips are designed with families in mind. We’re excited about the schedule and anxious to book your ride. We recently confirmed our partnership with the Wallowa Union Railroad, which owns the line and rolling stock, and are now working with them to get the equipment and track ready for the season.

Tickets are selling now, so contact Alegre Travel and book your seats. The Mother’s Day Brunch Train and the Elgin Stampeders’ Train Robbery are especially popular. Following are descriptions of those two trips. Click here for the complete trip descriptions list.

 Mother’s Day Brunch, May 11

Treat the mothers in your life to a fun and relaxing train ride and a delicious brunch. A wonderful array of pastries, eggs, meats, breads, and fruit is served on the train as you ride along, enjoying the spring scenery. Prepared and served by Ten Depot Street Restaurant of La Grande, the meal always earns high marks from passengers and the view of the river and mountains is unforgettable. Our friendly volunteers make sure you are comfortable and answer questions about what you are seeing along the way. It’s an experience that will prompt fond memories for years to come. Reservations are required. Departs from the Elgin Depot at 10 a.m. and returns at about 2 p.m. Limited to 100 passengers. Adults = $80 / Seniors 60+ = $75 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (under 3 ride for free!) Miles traveled = 40.

Elgin Stampeders’ Train Robbery, June 28

There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. As it happens, the sheriff is transporting a notorious villain on this train and that can lead to mayhem and mischief. It’s hard to tell who is friend and who is foe. So, hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! Lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Departs from the Elgin Depot at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 21, and returns at about 2 p.m. Adults = $70 / Seniors 60+ = $65 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $35 (kids under 3 ride for free!) Miles traveled = 40.    (The Elgin Stampeders host the Elgin Stampede Rodeo every July.)

Here is a tip for those who like to plan ahead and save! Pick up a 2014 Elkhorn Media Group coupon book at a participating business and look inside for a coupon to save on your family’s train ride. The coupon is good for any scheduled train ride (excluding the Mother’s Day Brunch), when booked before June 30.

We’ll see you on the train!