Narrow Gauge Country
September 13-22, 2013
Friday, September 20
Chama - Cumbres Pass
This trip wasn't all play. As a member of the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, I try to be useful whenever I can. My objective for today was 1) clean web camera lenses and 2) ensure the wireless Mesh network that supports the cameras was working normally. Fellow Friend's member Joe Kanocz met me in the yard about mid-morning to lend a hand. Thanks, Joe. I couldn't have done it without your help. |
I left the hotel room early to get some breakfast for Michele before heading to the yard to work. Naturally, I never walk around Chama without a camera... so when I noticed freight cars being shuttled around, I had to head down for a few shots. 45 minutes later all of my allotted time was used up and I hadn't even attempted to find food for my lovely bride. She ended up getting breakfast with Ben after I went to work. It's a good thing she like me. =) |
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Me and Ben ran to the store to get ice for the coolers and caught 489 at the Wye. Ben was absolutely blown away! |
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We stopped working to watch Train 216 depart. I was happy to see 489 on point, which would mean we'd have her on our train the following day. 489 is my favorite of the four K36's currently operating on the C&T. |
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487 shuffles through the yard to get water and coal |
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Backing past the coal tipple |
Taking coal near the bunk house | ||
While Joe and I searched for a ladder, Ben took these shots at the Depot |
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There guys were preparing some entertainment for a private charter that evening |
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Climbing the tower...
Here is the Trip Report on the camera installation last year |
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There is a humorous discussion here on the Friends Forum when I cleaned the lenses |
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Ben took these shots |
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Mission Accomplished |
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While Joe and I finished our work, Michele took some photos of the flora around the yard. All of this was planted and is maintained by the Friends. |
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This little gal was hanging out in the depot. Cute little thing. |
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After finishing with the cameras, we met up with Chris and Karen and got lunch at the Boxcar Cafe. Then we went up the hill to Cumbres Pass. |
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Cumbres Section House |
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Train 215 Arriving |
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It's nice to see Enginee Jeff Stebbins back in the cab |
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Video of Train 215 arriving at Cumbres, then descending Windy Point to Coxo Crossing |
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As soon as 215 arrived, we made our way to Kodak Point (Roger's Rock). This was my only chance to get any video footage on this trip and this location gave us the most bang for our buck. From the look on Ben's face, I'd say he was impressed. |
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Ben |
Windy Point |
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Coxo |
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Coxo Crossing |
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Deer on the north side of Cumbres Pass |
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Trujillo Meadows Reservoir |
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Chris - Karen - Ben - Michele - Jason |
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We got dinner at Sonny's this night. I thought it was AWESOME But, some of the intestinally-challenged members of the family had some... difficulties. |