RV Trip to the High Mountains

Day 13 - October 4, 2018

Cotopaxi - Royal Gorge - Amarillo

Our final morning in the mountains began cloudy and cool. I made the usual early morning trip around the RV for photos while everyone else got ready for the short trip down the Arkansas River to the Royal Gorge.

The leveling was so bad we had to dig a hole for the rear axel and...

...elevate the front axel to get it close to level.

The connections were badly located, forcing us far back in the spot.

WiFi signal was practically non-existent.

Overall, the only thing good about this campground was the view.

Heading down to the Arkansas River

The Tennessee Pass "Mainline THROUGH the Rockies" is across the river.

It's been devoid of trains since 1997.

After a quick run down the canyon, we arrived at the Royal Gorge.

The remains of a narrow gauge kiddie train are visible leading to and from a new pedestrian sidewalk between the parking lot and park.

This is what it looked like a few years ago.

The old Depot looks lonely and sad.

Daddy wanted to do this.

Momma said no.

We got some exceptional photos through the very dirty windows on that gondola.

Panoramic shot

Here's the locomotive from the old kiddie railroad out by the parking lot.

Do you see JFK?

Making our way down to the bridge.

Noah examines it. Not sure what he was thinking.

Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad K36 #499.

She's a LONG way from narrow gauge rails.

Though, the gorge below once was dual gauge (narrow and standard).

Dad in pursuit.

All the states in the union had a flag flying. We preferred this one.

The famous "hanging railroad bridge" where the canyon is too narrow for any other option.

It's hard to make out, but this is the view BETWEEN the deck planks of the bridge.

It was taken between my feet. Literally.

These are the gondolas we rode over on.

#499

There was a disastrous wild fire here a few years ago. The park was heavily damaged and has since been rebuilt.

The effects of the fire are apparent here by the melted number board in the light fixture.

The irreplaceable Rio Grande caboose behind the tender was completely destroyed.

This is where the Caboose was.

On the road again...

Heading into New Mexico over Raton Pass

7,834'

Out on the plains of eastern New Mexico

Our first Texas sunset in nearly 2 weeks.

We made it back to Texas and rode through north Texas in the dark. We stopped at the Route 66 RV Ranch in Amarillo. Nice place for an overnight stop. Fantastic manager; spaces were tight but level with good hookups.