Hey Guys,
While the Wifie and I were in CO. we rode the Cumbres & Toltec Train from Antonito CO. to Chama NM. This was part of the Rio Grande Line at one time. The tracks were laid in 1881 within a 9 month period. That was really fast considering the area where it was laid. Tunnels and bridges had to be built and remember this is at 7,000 to 10,000' and not the best of weather The Tender still had Rio Grande on the side of it.
This trip is about 65 miles of narrow gage old time railroading. Most of the trip is the same as it was in 1880s With some of the same buildings and no modern roads in sight. Of course the scenery is outstanding for the 6 hour trip.
We stopped for a great 4 course lunch at the old work camp at around 9,000'. This camp is where the workers worked and stayed while working on the RR. If only these old buildings could talk. They worked in the winter, BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, and summer.
The ride includes crossing the border 11 times and doing some outstanding switchbacks.. This RR crosses the highest pass of any other RR in the US.
We saw Elk and Mule Deer plus some Antelope.
We probably had it a little bit better riding in the parlor car than the folks of the 1880s did. Two GREAT ladies kept us informed of the sights and made sure we didn't get hungry or thirsty.
Injoy the ride, All Bord
Jim
Ole Smokey
The Pass
Don't let the smoke or steam get in your eyes
Sure hope this is good wood
A long way down
Time to stop and eat Yummmmmmmmmmm
Get out the shovels and dynamite
Now this is the way to ride the rails
We need a drink. this old smoker used right a 5 tons of coal and many gals. of water to go A HARD 60 miles
While the Wifie and I were in CO. we rode the Cumbres & Toltec Train from Antonito CO. to Chama NM. This was part of the Rio Grande Line at one time. The tracks were laid in 1881 within a 9 month period. That was really fast considering the area where it was laid. Tunnels and bridges had to be built and remember this is at 7,000 to 10,000' and not the best of weather The Tender still had Rio Grande on the side of it.
This trip is about 65 miles of narrow gage old time railroading. Most of the trip is the same as it was in 1880s With some of the same buildings and no modern roads in sight. Of course the scenery is outstanding for the 6 hour trip.
We stopped for a great 4 course lunch at the old work camp at around 9,000'. This camp is where the workers worked and stayed while working on the RR. If only these old buildings could talk. They worked in the winter, BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, and summer.
The ride includes crossing the border 11 times and doing some outstanding switchbacks.. This RR crosses the highest pass of any other RR in the US.
We saw Elk and Mule Deer plus some Antelope.
We probably had it a little bit better riding in the parlor car than the folks of the 1880s did. Two GREAT ladies kept us informed of the sights and made sure we didn't get hungry or thirsty.
Injoy the ride, All Bord
Jim
Ole Smokey
The Pass
Don't let the smoke or steam get in your eyes
Sure hope this is good wood
A long way down
Time to stop and eat Yummmmmmmmmmm
Get out the shovels and dynamite
Now this is the way to ride the rails
We need a drink. this old smoker used right a 5 tons of coal and many gals. of water to go A HARD 60 miles
