RGX 2012 - Trip Report
September 20 - September 28
Day 2 - Friday, September 21
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I got an early start on Friday. I had a town to explore and three mountain passes to cross this day. Before leaving Manitou Springs, I made the short side-trip to see the MS&PP Railway. Michele and I rode this line on a 1994 high school band trip to Colorado Springs and again in 2006. We're past due for another ride.
Please let me know if you find mistakes - RioGrandeDude @ SmittysHouse.net
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The Manitou Springs and Pike's Peak Railway yard in Manitou Springs. |
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MS&PP #2 in Manitou Springs |
Colorado Midland Freight Depot in Hartsel, CO |
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Last year I visited this site and the road was open. That is no longer the case. Too bad. |
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I didn't get any photos of my crossing of Ute Pass. I was too busy enjoying the incredible views.
The trip across the South Park was uneventful. I never saw those kids that are supposed to live there...
This was my third stop in Como. I have a growing fascination with Denver, South Park, & Pacific Railroad and Como is an incredible Ferroequinearcheological site. So I made some time to give this location a closer look and even had lunch where railroaders once ate.
In addition to lunch I purchased a book on the last years of the railroad in Como: "C&S Highline Memories and Then Some" by Tom and Denise Klinger. Fantastic book! And, what better place to get a book on the C&S than Como? |
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Hotel and Depot in Como |
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DSP&P Depot interior |
Backside of the Como Depot looking towards the Roundhouse |
Backside of the Como Depot |
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The Pacific Hotel |
The mainline to Denver |
Depot |
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Backside of the Como Depot |
Trackside view |
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Ready for winter
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The Como Roundhouse This is still on my bucket list |
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Standing roughly on the grade and looking towards the Depot and Boreas Pass |
This just screams C&S / DSP&P |
Inside the restaurant/hotel Nice touch! |
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The bar |
The view from my table |
Lunch! I believe it was a bleu cheese burger. Dang tasty. |
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Departing Como for Boreas Pass |
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The road to Boreas was built on the old DSP&P Railroad Grade. This is hallowed ground. |
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The fall colors were quite nice |
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The grade coming up |
Overlooking the magnificent South Park |
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Another look back at the South Park |
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The summit of Boreas Pass |
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C&S Boxcar #8311 |
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Simply spectacular. I can only imagine what it must've been like to take a train to the location. |
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Display |
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Spikes and Rails were used in the construction of the display case. VERY CLASSY! |
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Remnants of the Engine House |
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Ties still in the ground 74 years after the last train left |
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Baker's Tank
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Baker's Tank |
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Original DSP&P stone work still being used well over a century after it was constructed. |
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Heading down the west slope |
Goose Pasture Tarn Lake |
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C&S / DSP&P Display in Breckenridge |
Breckenridge
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DSP&P Rotary #1 |
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This display is only feet from the old grade
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C&S #9 - The first narrow gauge steam locomotive I ever saw under steam. |
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C&S Boxcar #8323 |
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This is very close to the location the DSP&P Breckenridge Depot. I'd like to know if there's a connection between the old depot and the name of this business. |
Looking north towards the town site of Dickey, now submerged under the waters of the Dillon Reservoir north of Breckenridge.
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Before calling it a day, I crossed over Fremont Pass and arrived in Leadville. Once again I stayed at the Columbine Inn and really enjoyed it. Clean Rooms. Good staff. Good breakfast. And, there's a Pizza Hut next door!
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