There is simply nothing like waking up to the sounds of hissing steam, ringing bells, banging cars, and screaming steam whistles! This time I didn't need to even leave the warm bed to take a look. Barbara put us in the room closest to the yard. I had but to lean over and look out the window to see the crew making up the train for the day.

The catalyst for this trip to Narrow Gauge Country was the moonlight ride to Osier later this day. Russ Sperry (El Russo Loco) invited a group of folks to go with him. I was fortunate enough to make his list. The rest of the trip after today was planned as a result of being in the area for this moonlight ride. Unfortunately ol' Russ decided he needed heart surgery a few weeks before and travel restrictions by his doctors prevented him from being there. However, at least one ABA was hoisted in his honor.

My buddy Larry Gibson and his wife Nancy were also supposed to join us but had issues that kept them home. However, I did get to hang out with Ed Stabler, Roger Hogan, and Steve Forney again. Always a pleasure! I also got to finally meet Nathan Zachman, Nathan Holmes, and Jon Walden later in the trip.

The morning started out with me officially checking in with Barbara since we arrived so late the night before. I then gave her the menus from Jeff as requested. While chatting with Barbara I met up with Steve Forney and was then introduced to Ian Rattray and later Christian Romberg. Ian (from the UK) and Christian (from Germany) are producing a 40th Anniversary DVD and I donated all of my footage from last year to the cause. Ian was kind enough to show me a rough cut of the DVD later that afternoon. I'm looking forward to the finished product!

Christian brought out a remote controlled helicopter with camera mount that he built. This allowed him to get aerial footage of the train leaving Chama that morning. Unfortunately none of my photos of his contraption came out. But trust me, IT WAS AWESOME!!

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

View from The Hotel as seen from my bed!

After grabbing a quick bite for breakfast I went over to the yard to see the action and catch my first whiff of coal smoke! Ahh... Heaven.

The Hotel is on the left.

With many hours to kill before the moonlight train departure,

Ian graciously offered to let us chase with him up to Cumbres.

So, after a few shots of 489 leading train 216, we made our way up the hill.

Leaving The Narrows and turning towards Lobato.

Second Highway 17 Crossing. I was north of the tracks and Michele was south.

This is our first visit to Cresco. On previous trips I've missed the turnout for it and never

had the time to go back and search for it. But, now I know where it is! Thanks Ian!

Coxo Crossing

Coxo Crossing

Cumbres Pass & Section House

The weather was cold, wet, and overcast.

But, I prefer days like this. It adds to the authenticity.

Rounding Windy Point

Car Inspector's House

C&T Engineer Ray

"Floppo" Loose

Departing Cumbres

The weather continued to deteriorate until the rain started. So, we gave up the chase to Los Pinos and returned to Chama for lunch and a nap before our departure. Thanks again to Ian for the ride! I included a shot of our hotel room. Sure, it's a cluttered mess. But, when you're a 1000 miles from home with your wife and crammed into a small room... well, messes happen. The view from the balcony is decidedly better!

After lunch I moseyed over to the mall to check out the Sn3 layout of Chama that Sam Furakawa built.

The Friends of the C&T manage the model. It's truly outstanding!

Several hours later, the weather cleared up completely

and we made our way to the yard to board our train.

Servicing 487 after her turn-around from the trip over from Antonito.

Yours Truly

Prior to departure the town Marshall loaded a cash box aboard the train. Of course, this didn't go unnoticed by the local "bad guys." A fight ensued and the Marshall won. But, somehow we all knew it wasn't yet over...

Ed Stabler (the man, myth, legend) and Michele (wife, best friend, total hottie).

The Marshall on the train

Lobato, NM

Approaching and crossing Lobato Trestle for

our first time since the fire and rebuild.

Conductor Alan Loomis

Telegraph pole still standing...

Munchies!

Hamilton Point

Windy Point

Alan and Steve.

 Ian on the right in the hat.

Just past Coxo Crossing the bad guys stopped the train.

A fight ensued and a rather attractive, blond hostage was taken.

More fighting ensued...

And then Engineer Soni Honegger showed up with a shotgun and saved the day!

That cute blond was saved, too.

Dusk over Chama Valley

As usual, Stephen Flowers delivered a first class dinner at the remote outpost of Osier, Colorado.

Back Row: Ed Stabler, Alan Loomis, Me, Ian Rattray, Ernie Robart

Front Row: Steve Forney, Christian Romberg, Roger Hogan.

The trip back to Chama was crisp (COLD) and clear. I spent a little time in the open gon, but with the wind it proved to be just too much for this southern boy. When we made the loop around to the west side of Los Pinos Valley the moon made its appearance and cast a spectacular glow across the landscape. If it hadn't been so darn cold I could've stayed out in the gon longer to take it all in.

Somewhere between Cumbres and Coxo we had a brake shoe stick to a wheel on the trailing truck of the Tourist Coach (my car). I didn't notice at first. But, when I stepped back outside (after thawing out) I could smell it and Alan informed me of the issue. It wasn't a show-stopper and the brake released after the Engineer cycled the air a few times. At every crossing between Cresco and Chama there were several crew members posted to give us a roll-by inspection as we made our descent.

It was COLD and we got back to Chama 2 hours later than predicted. But, I wouldn't change a thing. Each trip on this narrow gauge gem is an adventure and life-long memory. I did, however, sleep really well when we finally got to bed...