Yesterday rode the rails from Antonito to Chama on the parlour car porch. It's a bit of a challenge to add commentary. The day was perfect weather. Met a freight at Osier. The trestle inspectors were busy. They rappel down each bent. Takes 3 hours per bent. Folks were flying a drone at Tanglefoot Curve. Would love to see the video of our train traversing the curve. The foliage was a week past peak but still lovely. Looks like they replaced the deck girders and used the original bents at Lobato.
Rode that back in 1977, on a day after a heavy thunderstorm. We were delayed a couple of hours while the stronger and healthier passengers and crew busted up a couple thousand pounds of boulder that had fallen on the track and tossed the pieces off to the side. Now that was a real history lesson. I'd dig out the pics but Dad did slides, and I have no way to scan them.
Pullman Green with Envy!!!!!! The one railroad I never did get to take a trip on. Among others. Thanks for allowing us to tag along.
This was a trip I've wanted to make and finally did. I am in awe that the railroads ran tracks up and down and around the mountains with such harmony over some very unforgiving terrain. They wanted to get from here to there as expeditiously as possible. I am grateful a few sections of the once greater system have been preserved. I am happy to share the pics.
I have rode the Cumbres and Toltec twice, both times were great. Next time that I go for a ride, it will be with my daughter
Have been working out of Antonito for 3.5yrs now. Very challenging & rewarding. We have an excellent mix of seasonal and year-round staff. Marvin & Avery's crews keep the equipment in tip top shape. John Matthews' crew is anxious to get back out on the line. With all the snow we've had this winter they will have to be a bit more patient getting in to some spots. Lots of snow even in the Antonito area with the highway over Cumbres & La Manga passes closed earlier this week. Stop in and say "howdy!" if you come through Antonito.
