RIPARIUS, N.Y. - After 10 years of carrying tourists from stop to stop, the scenic railroad in the Adirondacks still seems to draw pretty good crowds, even on an ordinary day in July, in a time when it seems people are traveling less.
"If we look at my age group, we have to remember it's about history. The trains go back to the late 1800s and most everyone who rides the train, say their father or the grandfather had worked for the railroad. For the young people, it's a huge machine and they just adore the trains," general manager Clifford Welz said.
It's that reason, that Guilderland resident Howard Altschule and his family are here. His young son loves the trains.
"It's a great ride all along the river. A lot of people are rail fans and enjoy the railroad. People in the Adirondacks also like the history and the nostalgia of the railroad," said Altschule.
Engineer Alan Cameron said the kids' love of trains is what makes his job so much fun but part of him also loves the history.
This year, the Upper Hudson River Railroad in the Adirondacks is celebrating ten years of riding the rails. We wanted to find out whether or not the trains are still drawing crowds, even during the summer months. As our Jessica Mokhiber tells us, this is a busy season and people are hopping on board every day the train is running.
"I always wanted to see it run by my house. But now I'm one of the engineers on the train. I love it," he said.
Before I even asked, the people here told me that the economy and the high gas prices aren't keeping people away. They say this summer is even better than last.
"It's being along the river and it's peaceful and enjoyable. People really relax up here," said UHRR employee Reisha Thissell.
So rail enthusiasts and everyday tourists can take it all in.