Durango & Silverton
August 24, 2013
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One of the perks of my new job is the occasional trip out of state. In this case, they sent me to my favorite region on earth: the San Juan Mountains! With spousal approval, I went up the weekend before to get some fresh mountain air and a much-needed infusion of coal smoke.
Unlike previous trips, I had to fly up there. I am NOT a fan of the TSA and have avoided flying for many years. It ticks me off to be treated like cattle by people that have no business having any authority over my life. Besides that, the TSA hasn't prevented a single terrorists incident since its founding. To my way of thinking, I'd be far safer if they'd let me carry my firearm and defend myself. What is our country coming to...
My apologies for the rant. The flight actually wasn't that bad. It was pretty neat flying over South Fork at night and being able to see Del Norte, Monte Vista, and Alamosa lined up across the San Luis Valley with just a hint of light from Antonito far to the south east. The plane slammed into Durango about 11:30 PM (seriously, I think there's a dent in the runway) and I got to my hotel near Carbon Junction about 12:30 AM. Long day.
First thing Saturday morning I made my way to the yard. In addition to relieving some stress, I also had the objective of breaking in our new Canon Rebel T5i. We were years overdue for a new camera and this one is incredible. WHOO HOO!!
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Chasin' Trains on the Durango & Silverton |
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Early morning in Durango Yard |
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Attempts at Art |
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Near 15th Street in Durango, a family of deer moseyed up |
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Train 461 crossing the Rio de Los Animas Perdidas near 15th street |
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Heading north along the Animas |
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At Hermosa I made a point to check out the newly painted RPO 66. She sure looks good. |
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The old EBT gons have been painted as well |
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The cab from 490 |
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Train 461 blasts through Hermosa |
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Rockwood Cut |
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Train 461 in Rockwood |
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The last remaining narrow gauge stub-switch in use on an active railroad in Colorado |
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I made the requisite stop at Molas Pass for some photos and fresh air. It was wet and chilly. |
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My rent-a-junk car |
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Silverton Branch crossing the Animas River |
Silverton |
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The offices for the Silverton Standard newspaper are in this building. I stopped by twice to renew my membership and meet Mark Esper. But, he wasn't there either time. |
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There was a car show this day |
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The Grand Imperial. I hear it's haunted... |
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My favorite place to eat in Silverton is Thee Pitts Again. As usual, it did not disappoint. Note: the pink pig van has been signed by Guy Fieri. |
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The car show became a parade just before Train 461 arrived |
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Foundation for the scale track and office |
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Train 461 arriving |
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Train 461 backing to the Wye where it'll become 462 |
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Train 463 arriving |
Passing the Silverton Northern Engine House |
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Train 463 arriving |
Turning onto 12th Street |
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I had a chance meeting with a friend from home. Chase Bond is a new Brakeman on the D&S. He invited me to chat on 462 while he ate lunch. I don't think I've ever seen a happier young guy. He is sure in his element. Congratulations Chase! You're livin' the dream, dude! |
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Poor Chase is getting harassed by Fireman Mark Smelser. I had to choke back the laughter for the poor rookie! |
Train 462 heads for Durango |
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These gondolas have been restored recently by the Durango Railroad Historical Society
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Silverton Northern Engine House |
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I drove as far as I could, then hiked out to the Animas near the south end of Baker's Park |
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Train 464 crossing the Animas |
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Brakeman Chase on the left |
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Remains of the Champion Mine |
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Rockwood |
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With time to kill before Train 462 arrived, I decided to climb up on the Rockwood Cut. The results are ok, but not great. Here are some photos of the view from up there. |
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Looking into the cut |
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Back in Hermosa |
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Train 462 glides through on the way back to Durango |
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Back in Durango, I went back to the Animas River bridge near 15th Street and stumbled upon a wedding in the park. I think it would've been better in the Durango Yard, but that's just me. |
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Killing time, waiting on a train... |
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Train 462 |
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I didn't wait for 464 to arrive. I was absolutely exhausted from a long week at work and the late flight to Durango. I made a stop at Pizza Hut and the Durango Brewing Company for dinner and some barley pop. DBC makes a nice brew! |
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