McCloud is a tiny logging town nestled in the McCloud river valley in Northern California. People are drawn to its alpine beauty and historic bed and breakfasts’. The McCloud River is close and has some great day hikes to some spectacular waterfalls.
Although we’ll explore McCloud the following day, my wife and me are here to dine and celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary on the Shasta Sunset Dinner Train. An anachronistic blast from the past, the train’s 4 dinner cars hail from the early 1900s.
The dinner cars were updated in the late 1990s. The renovators were careful to keep the early 1900s look and feel intact. The dark mahogany wood and brass fittings make for rich surroundings. The seating is mostly made up of 4 person booths. There are long tables and even individual rooms and cars, which can be reserved for private parties.
As we board, the trains’ whistle blows telling us we’ll be leaving soon. Were seated in a booth, which has been tastefully decorated with happy anniversary paraphernalia. Were seated next to each other and notice the opposite side has happy birthday decorations. We didn’t pay the extra 60 dollars to have our own booth, so we’ll be sharing with an unknown couple. Apparently they’ll be celebrating a special day as well.
We nervously watch diners stream onto the train, hoping we enjoy the couple we’ll be across from. The booths aren’t huge, but they’re big enough to carry on a semi-private conversation without being rude to the other couple. Were pleasantly surprised and relieved to sit across from a nice couple that shares some similar interests.
As we chat the whistle blows one last time and the train lurches forward. Everyone is giddy, were on our way. The train will make a heady speed of 10mph until we reach the town of Mt. Shasta 12 miles away, then return to McCloud. We’ll wind around the base of the 14,161-foot Mt. Shasta, which is still covered with a thick layer of snow even in late spring.
As we move through the alpine forest, Dogwood trees are in full bloom. They dot the green landscape with brilliant white bursts. Whenever there’s a break in the trees there are wildflowers blooming.
The menu consists of 3 entree choices that you choose while making reservations. Our choices are Salmon, Steak, or Lamb. I’ve chosen the steak, my wife the salmon. A large basket of bread is brought and we ask the waitress to uncork our huge bottle of champagne. My wife wisely picked up the biggest bottle she could find. It’s so big it’s almost embarrassing, but the corking fee is only 10 bucks. If we’d bought from the menu the least we’d spend would be around 40. We toast our anniversary and the birthday couple.
After salad and appetizers we decide to check out the open car behind ours. It is full of people taking in the evening air so we opt instead to go to the front of the train and stand on the small balcony. Were surprised to meet a conductor in full conductor regalia. He is friendly and gives us some history of the area. Were the only three people on the balcony and the evening air is warm and fragrant with railroad ties and wildflowers.
As were about to head back to our table the conductor tells us we should wait until mile marker 10.2. He tells me to have my camera ready. We wait in anticipation for what’s coming. Were not disappointed, the whole 14,161 foot Mt. Shasta looms out of the trees and shines like a beacon in the setting sun. The tracks seem to lead directly into the mountain. After snapping some shots my wife and I simply gawk and hold one another savoring the romantic moment.
We head back to our table just in time for the main course. My beef Wellington is perfectly cooked and my wife’s salmon is flaky and delicious. After pleasant conversation, good food and champagne, we realize we are stuffed and need some air.
The train has traveled the 12 miles to the town of Mt. Shasta and is halfway back to McCloud. It’s dusk and we head out onto the open car and take in the evening air. The motion of the rocking train is hypnotic as we cruise through the forested views.
It’s time to head back and choose from the dessert tray. We share a chocolate mousse sip our coffees and watch the world turn from dusk to dark. The train stops and we realize were back in McCloud. The whole trip took 3 hours but seemed much shorter.
As we walk across the street to the lit up McCloud hotel I realize we have just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary in a spectacularly unique way. Tomorrow we’ll wake up and explore the surrounding beauty of McCloud California.
