Dawn on day three came... and went. We were both worn out from the drive up and then a full day of chasing and riding. When we finally got moving we had breakfast with Ed Stabler at the Boxcar Cafe (formerly Carlattes). It's always a pleasure to hang out with Ed. Good guy.

We had a LOOOONG way to go this day and many places to explore. [Cue the Indiana Jones theme] Our route took us west from Chama to Pagosa Springs, north over Wolf Creek Pass to South Fork, west to Creede, and over Slumgullion Pass to Lake City. After a quick stop to see Caboose 0588, we pressed on to Gunnison, Sargents, and Poncha Junction. At sunset we began the final push north to Buena Vista and rolled into Leadville after dark. We stayed at the Columbine Inn which was quite nice.

I really wanted to sneak in side trips to St. Elmo and Marshall Pass, but sleeping in cost us too much time. It was still a remarkable day driving through the mountains and over three passes, Wolf Creek, Slumgullion, and Monarch. Several items on my "to-do" list were checked off.

Please let me know if you find mistakes - RioGrandeDude  @ SmittysHouse.net

Heading west from Chama

Fuel stop in Pagosa Springs

Heading towards

Wolf Creek Pass

We made a planned stop at Treasure Falls on the west

slope of Wolf Creek Pass.

Me

Michele

Treasure Falls was a fairly short hike, a great way to

stretch our legs after the drive over from Chama.

Lovely Michele

Me

Wolf Creek Valley

Back on the road to South Fork and heading over Wolf Creek Pass.

South Fork and the Denver & Rio Grande Railway

We rode this line last year and had a great time. As we drove along the yard I immediately

noticed that the Silver Bullet wasn't at the depot. I started to hope we'd catch her out on

the line, but with all the places to hide in the canyon that seemed like a distant possibility.

Since our last visit in August 2010, a new switch and

siding have been constructed west of the depot.

This was also our first look at the exterior of Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company (CCIC) Private Car #21. It was "shrink wrapped" in a tarp the last time we saw it.

The Rio Grande crossing the Rio Grande east of Wagon Wheel Gap.

The Rio Grande

Looking east towards

South Fork

Rounding a bend just past Wagon Wheel Gap, we spotted the Silver Bullet heading east. WOO HOO!! Some quick maneuvering got us into position for a few quick grab-shots and then the chase was on.

Note the "gap" in the

wagon wheel.

I quickly doubled back to the Wagon Wheel Gap Depot, now a

private residence. This gave us a great shot of the Silver Bullet

and the depot against a fantastic mountain

backdrop to the west.

The Wagon Wheel Gap Depot.

What an AWESOME

place to live!

Bidding farewell to the Bullet, we continued up the

line to Creede.

Looking west towards Creede.

Looking west towards Creede

Looking east to

Wagon Wheel Gap

Looking west towards Creede

West

Arriving at Creede

for the first time.

Our Objective: the D&RGW Depot

The depot is really well preserved. It's a travesty that

 the rails into town had to be taken up last year.

Our truck at the Depot

I assume this is an old coal bin. There's one just like it near the Section House in Sublette.

Looking towards the depot along the grade. The rails were removed here in 2009 or 2010.

Looking east from

the same spot.

Looking west again from

on the Right of Way.

Rails embedded in the street

West of Creede there are remnants of the mining era.

Heading west towards Slumgullion Pass and Lake City.

Just a hint of the fall colors. I sold this trip to Michele based on the fact that we'd get to see lots of fall colors, something we don't get on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Unfortunately the drought postponed the color change by several weeks. However, the following weekend

 in Silverton we finally got see the good stuff.

We made another scheduled stop at North Clear Creek Falls.

Brakes!

The port-o-john is chained

to the sign. Very classy.

Lake San Cristabol

Dropping into Lake City

Another Objective: D&RGW Long Caboose 0588.

Bob Richardson relates a humorous story of how this Caboose was donated and trucked over from Gunnison after a run one evening. The crew's gear and equipment was still aboard! So, the crew took a truck to Lake City later to retrieve their things and charged the company a day's pay. From that point until the abandonment of the entire 3rd Division, an Outfit car was used in place of the Caboose.

Driving into the canyon along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison north of Lake City.

Surprise!

I had no idea this equipment and depot were at Russellton.

This was a VERY cool find!

Dropping into the

Gunnison Valley

Blue Mesa Reservoir

I believe this is the site of the DSP&P / D&RGW crossing.

The shed over the 268 and train was extended to cover the entire train sometime

 since last year.

We stopped at Sargents again this year.

The sunset light was great.

It's hard to imagine what was once here...

The road to Marshall Pass. I had planned to take this route instead of Monarch Pass. But, sleeping late in Chama cost

us too much time.

Climbing the west slope of Monarch Pass.

Monarch Mine

Switchback at Garfield

The loop west of Maysville.

Sunset near Mt. Shavano

Looking east (south)

at Buena Vista

Driving along the Colorado Midland grade towards the series of tunnels north of town.

Thanks to Nathan Holmes for reminding of these tunnels. I would've

kicked myself if I'd driven past them without stopping.

The D&RGW Tennessee Pass line is just below the CM grade.

By the time we got back on Highway 285 after leaving the tunnels, it was well after dusk. No more photos. We got to Malta just after last light and to Leadville in the dark. It was cold and getting colder, below freezing. The temperature was in the upper 90's when we left Spring 2 days earlier. After checking in at the Columbine Inn I walked next door and got some chow from Pizza Hut. Michele gave her approval on the hotel, which is rarely the case when we're on the road.

This was a LONG day and we covered a LOT of miles. But, my "to-do" list is a bit shorter now.