Narrow Gauge Country
September 13-22, 2013
Wednesday, September 18 - Explore Day
Kebler Pass - Lost Lake - DSP&P Grade on Ohio Pass
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Fortunately Ben and I were recovered enough to enjoy our last full day in the area. The plan-of-the-day called for going over Kebler Pass to Lake Irwin and Lost Lake so Chris could scout out a future camping site. I also wanted to take a look at the DSP&P grade on Ohio Pass. |
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The strategy meeting at the cabin prior to departure |
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Driving west of Crested Butte on 826, running along the old Floresta Branch. The grade was clearly visible in many locations, but this wasn't a railroad explorations trip, so I couldn't stop for a closer look. Sometimes family objectives trump my own. |
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DRGW grade above the road |
Lake Irwin |
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Lake Irwin |
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It hailed at Lake Irwin |
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Continuing on to Lost Lake... and some bad weather |
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A little bit of fall color change |
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Lost Lake While there the hail really started to fall. At least an inch was on the ground when we left. |
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More hail |
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I love this shot |
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On the return from Lost Lake we got some incredible views with the "storm light" |
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On 730, heading towards Ohio Pass and the unfinished DSP&P grade |
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The stunning Castle Mountain formation as viewed from Ohio Pass |
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Ben |
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In the 1950's, Robert W Richardson (founder of the Colorado Railroad Museum) stumbled upon this forgotten extension of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad. This would have been the beginning of the "and Pacific" part of the railroad's name. The silver panic of 1893 stopped construction and it was never resumed. The grade was forgotten, lost to time. Bob relates a humorous story of no one believing his initial reports of this find. He was later proven correct and today the unfinished rock wall (Palisades) has a historic marker. |
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Standing here, on hallowed ground, walking in Bob Richardson's footsteps, was one of the trip highlights for me. Simply amazing! |
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We stumbled upon a heard of elk. A first for all of us. |
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I believe this is the mining town of Baldwin |
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Baldwin: the end of the old South Park line |
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This isn't rail-related, just a really neat old barn. |
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Back in Crested Butte |
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Upon our return to Crested Butte, we found that it has snowed (the first of the season). We decided to get some steaks for dinner and Chris thought we should splurge and go to finest spot in town; the Wooden Nickel. While the food was good, it was NOT worth the extreme prices. Oh well, it was a still a great day. |
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