After a long and anxious summer, the day finally arrived to return to Chama to finish the web-cam project. I left Spring at 0200 for the long trip to Colorado Springs. I managed to get a few more days on this trip to do some exploring en route to Chama. As of this writing (June 2013), I recently got a new job and may not have the flexibility to take long vacations for a few years. I hope to be able to attend a 2014 Work Session, but doubt I'll be able to do more than that for a while. I'm grateful I was able to accomplish so much in 2012.

Trip Objectives:

-Lunch & Exploration in Como

-Explore Boreas Pass, Breckenridge, and Leadville

-Explore DSP&P Grade between Nathrop and Hancock

-Find Remnant of D&RGW Valley Line in Alamosa

-Friends of the C&T - Special Work Session (Web-Cams)

-Ride the C&T

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

Eastbound BNSF on the old C&S

Eastbound UP

Old Hoppers

Bolton's Wheat Express

Near Vernon, Texas

Old outside-frame boxcars

Lots of "nuthin" in north Texas

Getting close!

Raton Pass - I'd sure like to catch a train here someday, but I doubt I will.

I arrived in Manitou Springs without incident. Later that night I heard several car horns honking on the street. Some were insistent, so I took a look and saw 6-7 deer, with young ones in tow, crossing the street. They nonchalantly walked through the hotel parking lot and went into the woods. I was amused. The motorists were not.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8