0400 came early and I seriously began to question my sanity as I got up and got dressed. My wife, being the smartest in the family, rolled over and continued to sleep. Even my cats didn't bother to come inspect what I was doing awake so early in the morning.

I quickly grabbed my gear and loaded the truck. With a quick kiss to my barely conscious wife, I was off and headed for God's Country.

I got to Huntsville, TX (about 50 miles north of Spring) before I saw even a hint of daylight. I didn't stop for gas or food until well north of Ft Worth. Several BNSF trains broke up the monotony between Ft Worth and Amarillo. After getting fuel and lunch in Amarillo, I continued on west. The BNSF line left me and headed north, however Interstate 40 then ran parallel to the long-abandoned Rock Island line to Tucumcari. There are many places where the ties are still in the ROW and lots of other spots where large piles of ties sit and rot on the ROW. Pilings still stand in many places marking the spot of trestles long since torn up. Several large steel bridges now serve the local vehicle population. For an abandoned line it was really entertaining to watch.

Just west of Tucumcari I came upon a UP coal train from the rear. Much to my surprise I spotted several DRGW cars in the mix. There was even a flying "Rio Grande" on one. I couldn't believe it! If I hadn't been in a construction area I would've stopped for better pictures.

Several hours later I left I40 and headed north to Santa Fe. This being my 4th trip through "The City Different" I decided to stop and check out the old Rio Grande depot. This is most of the reason I left Spring so early. As it happened I hit Santa Fe right at rush hour. Guess it ain't so "different" after all. My GPS eventually landed me right at the rail yard and I hopped out and grabbed several shots. This is an area I'd like to explore more with my wife. I was pretty impressed with the way the new shopping areas are blended into the yard.

Leaving Santa Fe and generally running along the old Chili Line route I SLOWLY made my towards Espanola. Good grief, there are a lot of speed zones along that stretch. Highway 84 splits off at Espanola and I highballed the rest of the way to Chama. I LOVE that section of the drive. It more than makes up for that mind-numbing stretch between Spring and Amarillo!

Upon arriving in Chama I drove into the yard from the west entrance and slowly cruised the length of it taking in the long anticipated sights and smells. I didn't linger though, time was fleeting and I needed to check into the Chama Station Inn before the office closed. That task completed I unloaded my gear, answered nature, grabbed my camera, and headed towards the engine house to take advantage of the last minutes of daylight. The shop crew had 488 and 487 sitting outside steamed up. I think the paint on 488 may have still been wet! She was absolutely gorgeous!

My mission for the day was complete, so I headed to Carlatte's for some grub. Unfortunately they hadn't switched to their summer hours yet. So, I headed over to Foster's and that did the trick.

The drive up to Chama is LOOONG. But, fortunately the highways are paralleled by railroad lines in many places.

Near Tucumcari, NM I ran up on a UP coal train and to my great surprise

there were several Grande cars in the consist, even a rare MKT car.

This was my 4th trip through Santa Fe and this time I HAD to stop and visit the old

Rio Grande depot. I was lucky enough to see a RailRunner trainset in the yard too!

End of the Line

Beyond this point the NG Chili Line once ran north to Antonito

Back of the Santa Fe

 (ATSF) Depot

The Rio Grande Depot is now serving as Tomasita's Restaurant

There was once dual gauge trackage here

Heading north to the "Happiest Place on Earth"

I love this drive

After arriving in Chama, I drove through the yard,

checked into my hotel, answered nature, grabbed

my camera, and headed for the yard!

With paint practically still wet, 488 is steamed up next to 487

Good ol' 483, my Favorite

Life & Death

K37 492

Rumor has it this K37 may be restored sometime soon

Sisters

She's got a fire in her belly

MY THANKS TO SONI for putting the "Rio Grande" lettering on the tenders!!

Dusk quickly gave way to evening and I had to stop for the night. I was exhausted

anyway. Foster's provided some much needed chow and I crashed into a food coma...

DAY 2