The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. It's a 64-mile day trip that you will thoroughly enjoy and never forget. The narrow-gauge heritage railroad operates  between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. It crosses the borders of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times as it chugs its way up and over the 10,015′ high Cumbres Pass.

The Cumbres & Toltec goes where no automobile can go. Most of the route is through “off-the-grid” wilderness, so you’ll experience views into canyons and over ridges that can’t be seen in any other way.

The train travels at a top speed of 12 miles an hour, and that’s the beauty of it!
You won’t miss the aspen groves, the wildflowers, the steep mountain canyons, or the plentiful wildlife.

The steam engine is coal fired and carries you through steep mountain canyons, high desert, and lush meadows as you zig zag between the Colorado and New Mexico borders. There is, indeed, spectacular and rare Western scenery which can only be viewed from the train's unique route.

The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad has steamed through history and across the Rocky Mountains since 1880, when first tracks were laid across Cumbres Pass. This unique experience will take you back in time and off of the grid so you can experience the sounds, steam and steel of bygone years. Your daily grind can’t follow you into the great, unspoiled West.

Originally part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's narrow-gauge network, the line has been jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico since 1970.

In 1988, a nonprofit organization called the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was established to preserve the history of the railroad and help maintain infrastructure and rolling stock. The Friends of the C&TSRR also participates in various education programs and provides the railroad guides, known as docents, who inform passengers about historical aspects of the railroad as well as locations of interest.

A recent honor:
USA Today - "Best Train Ride in America”
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ranks among the most authentic steam-operated railroads still in existence. Passengers aboard this National Historic Landmark travel along a track laid in 1880 between Chama, N.M. and Antonito, Colo. Source...

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This Football-shaped Meatloaf is sure to please your party guests!

1) Canteloupe – One serving has just 46 calories and nearly a day’s worth of vitamins A & C. It’s also a very good source of potassium. Eating it raw or making a fruit salad with a little feta and mint makes a delicious summer lunch.

2) Zucchini – Wow, only 29 calories in one cup and is high in fiber, vitamins A, C and K and also potassium. It also adds bulk and substance to your diet. Zucchini is versatile in that it can be grilled, eaten raw, stuffed, made into chips or used to replace noodles in homemade lasagna.
3) Eggplant – This purple beauty is a good source of vitamins B6 & K as well as being a very good source of fiber. It is also low in calories and contains antioxidants that fight disease. The purple color is a cue that it will benefit the heart and memory. Prepare it sautéed, grilled or cubed in a stir fry or on a sandwich.
4) Blackberries – Blackberries are a good source of potassium and vitamins E, C, K & manganese. They are also loaded with fiber and antioxidants. Other benefits include protecting the heart and lowering blood pressure. They add a nice taste to a glass of ice water or seltzer or add them to salads. Blackberries are popular in baked goods as well.
5) Yellow Summer Squash – This is also known as “crookneck or straightneck” squash. It is rich in fiber, vitamins C, K, and potassium and has very few calories. Prepare it grilled, in a summer soup or be creative and use it as a pizza topping.
A culinary tip: A grilling basket or tray is a very easy way to prepare veggies alongside your main meal on the grill. It makes for easy clean up and no mess in the kitchen!
Let us know which summer super foods are your favorite…Comment Below
Read more here: Super Foods

Eat Plenty of Summer Super Foods for a Healthier Diet!

Bucket lists are a popular topic among all age groups, but especially those in their 50’s, 60’s and beyond. There was even a popular movie titled The Bucket List, released in 2007, featuring seasoned actors Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman – who played two men with terminal illnesses – who wanted to cross items off their own bucket lists before they died.
Of course, you don’t need an illness to start a bucket list. Better to begin long before your own mortality is staring you in the face. Here are some reasons you might or might not want to start and pursue you own bucket list.
Bucket List Pros:

• It’s highly motivational. Just ask someone who completed an item like hiking Machu Picchu or catching that awesome fish, or whatever it is that his or her heart desires. They can’t wait for the next adventure.
• It’s pleasing. Your bucket list items should be fun and bring you joy and a feeling of satisfaction.
• You will be following your own life plan instead of what others expect of you.
• Most of your bucket list items will probably involve others. This gives you many more chances for creating meaningful connections.
• Having important things to do can give you something to live for and actually extend your life.

Bucket List Cons:

• You lose some of your flexibility and spontaneity when following a prescribed list.
• You can become so focused on your bucket list, you forget to enjoy the experience. Remember, it should be about the journey more than the goal.
• You may spend too much time or money out of a compulsion to complete your items.
• If you load your list with irrational items, or take no action, this can be worse than never starting the list.
• Even if you have a rational and achievable list, you may be disappointed if you fail to achieve some of the items on your list.

To speak to the last point, it is perfectly acceptable and to be expected, that you not complete all the items on your list. In fact, if the list is easily achievable, you probably haven’t tried hard enough.
There is a Common Misperception That Bucket lists are Only for Big ItemsThere is a common misperception that bucket lists are only for big items, but they are really for whatever you find meaningful. Here are the types of things that can go on bucket lists:

• Places you want to see (e.g. Machu Picchu).
• People you want to spend time with (your best friend from high school).
• Physical goals you want to achieve (complete a half or full marathon).
• Things you want to learn (speak a foreign language)
• Habits you want to establish (meditate or establishing exercise routine).

I started my bucket list a dozen years ago and it is gratifying how many of the items my wife and I have completed. Here are just a few: learn to play guitar and perform in a band, take singing lessons, travel to interesting places like Russia, break 100 in golf, learn to play pickleball.

If you are looking for idea starters, try this article from developgoodhabits.com. They not only give you 553 potential bucket list items but also the following great advice for building your own list: “As you go through this list, be sure to write down the items that resonate with your “personal why.” Then add the ideas that sound like a great challenge. Then the stuff that’s fun. Then the ideas that you can share with your significant other. And finally, the ideas that will help with your self-improvement efforts.”

Remember that the bucket list is a positive endeavor – what you intend to do – and not about what you aren’t going to do. Not doing cool stuff is a common deathbed regret. And guess what my friend – you get to define what you consider cool stuff! This is a great privilege but can be wasted if you fail to write out and go make the items on your bucket list happen. What better time to start than right now? Source...

For more adventures in retirement...Click Here

Enjoy a Colorado Vacation in Breckenridge!
Related Travel Post: Camping in Colorado

See more: BreckVacation

We are already well into 2020. Regardless of whether you are one of those people that make resolutions, go with the flow, or something in between, why not try a couple of new retirement adventures this year (also good for pre-retirees). There are literally hundreds (even thousands) of possibilities but I’ve given you a great starter list of 25 options.

Sports and Fitness

• Go for a nice long walk and listen to a podcast or audio book. If the subject matter is interesting enough, it will make the time pass quickly.
• Do the podcast or audio book thing on a bike ride, assuming you are not riding where you need to keep your ears wide open.
• Try a chair workout. This may sound like an oxymoron but if you have a serious leg injury, like I did a couple of years ago, it can help you get your muscles toned and blood flowing.
• Find a local gym that will give you a free day (or several day) trial. Even better if they offer Silver Sneakers – which is free to many who are on Medicare.
• Give yoga a try. Yoga has more benefits than almost anything else you can do. And if you fear being scorned because you are an amateur, have no fear. Experienced yogis love to see new participants (as they all were at one time).
• Participate in a charity walk/run. Good cause plus great exercise: what could be better.
• Try pickle ball. They say it’s the fastest growing sport for those over 50. Plus, it’s not too hard and really fun.

Travel, Arts, Education

• Take an overnight trip to a town at least an hour away from your home.
• Take an all-day road trip – the kind of thing you used to do on a spur of the moment.
• Join an organized tour of your own town. You may be surprised by how many new things there are to discover.
• Visit a museum you haven’t thought of before. Even better if you qualify for discount entrance fees.
• Take a class at the local community college or senior center (if you qualify). A great way to learn something and meet people.
• Learn a brand new technical skill that helps you communicate like email, social media, or Skype. Your kids and/or grandkids will appreciate this.

Community

• Start a dinner club. Four to six couples (singles also work) take turns hosting a monthly dinner. The host plans the menu and serves the main course and everyone else brings side dishes, appetizers, desert and beverages.
• Invent a new drink (or dessert if you prefer) and invite friends over to try it out.
• Host a wine tasting at your house. These can be fun and educational.
• Try a local meetup group. You can find a list of many different types of groups at meetup.com. In my area, groups include book clubs, investors, hikers, boardgames, yoga, political and religious groups.
• If you know anything about business, go volunteer at your local SCORE office. There are lots of young entrepreneurs that can use your mentoring and/or teaching skills.
• Volunteer for an environmental-friendly cause (e.g. cleaning parks, playgrounds, roadways. It will improve your fitness and your outlook on life. This is also a great way to meet like-minded people.

Home-Based

• Pick up a jigsaw puzzle or paint-by-number set.
• Plant something. Depending on scope, gardening can be good exercise and is always good for the soul.
• Pull out your old photo albums – wedding, family, vacation – and relive great memories.
• Refinish a piece of furniture. This is a great hobby and if you get really good at it, can become a part-time moneymaking endeavor.
• Make a list of at least 50 things you are grateful for – yes you can do it.
• De-clutter your house. If you are like most of us (including me), you have lots of stuff you never use. Sell it at a garage sale, or via Craigslist or Facebook. Even better, give it to Goodwill or ARC and let it be a blessing to others.  Source...
  

Hope you enjoyed this list of fun and productive activities. For more ideas on retirement adventures (also for pre-retirees), read Colleen Milner’s article, Activities and Hobbies for a Fun and Active Life.

For Additional Info: Manage Mood Swings

It is Possible to Successfully Deal With Mood Swings!

So many people, especially those Over 50, are looking for ways to assure better sleep!

These ten tips are simple and can be easily incorporated into your day and evening routines.
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Getting enough sleep is important because it helps you feel better during the day.  Sleep also plays a critical role in maintaining your good health. according to The Sleep Council.

• Bad sleep is chronic. Poor sleep results in an increased risk of developing chronic conditions.
• Hormones wreak havoc. Missing out on adequate sleep can interfere with your body’s hormones.
• Compromises your immunity system. Lack of sleep can also affect your immune system.

You need to “power down” your brain  if you’re going to sleep well. Meditation is a great way to give your brain a break. Label your bedroom as a worry-free zone so you can sleep soundly.

Keep everything that relates to work or stress in a separate room which is physically separated from where you sleep. That means your phone, TV, paperwork, bills, etc., will be out of sight and, hopefully, out of mind!

Did you know that we spend 33% of our lives asleep? Therefore, improving sleep means improving 1/3 of your life!