Goodbye Sportsmans' - All Aboard The Cumbres & Toltec RR

Three days before we were to leave Sportsmans for the season, my sister Carolyn & husband Ray arrived. We had a little time to do some site seeing around the Pagosa area (Williams Lake, a hike to Piedra Falls, some scenic drives, a last chance at the famous Green Chili Cheeseburgers at Dorothys in town...). We also visited an artists' camp on the Piedra River banks. These cowboy artists camp from Arkansas, New Mexico and Idaho to take photos in the beautiful San Juans. The guys from Crazy Horse Outfitters set up the tents/camp, then brought in horses and dressed in full cowboy regala, posing for the artists. That was fun to watch.
On September 23rd, a cool, rainy Sunday morning, having said our "goodbyes", we pulled out of our "summer home" campsite and drove to Chama, New Mexico for a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. We stayed at Rio Chama RV Park, a nice little park within walking distance of the train station.
Carolyn and Ray stayed with us since they also wanted to take a ride on this historic train. Our pups were boarded with the local vet for the day, then reported to the train station and boarded a luxury bus for the ride to Antonito, Colorado. You can do this ride by either taking the bus from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO and riding the train back OR taking the bus from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM and riding the train back the other way. We took the former since that ride starts on the high desert plains around Antonito then climbs into the mountains, going back to Chama. The train stops as Osier for a wonderful buffet style lunch (included in the price of your ticket). You have a few minutes to browse the gift shop, then back on the train to finish the ride. There is an open car and you are allowed to go back there for some spectacular views. The morning was quite cold so I did not tarry out there long, though there were some hardy souls who rode in the open car most of the way. The train has the support of The Friends of the C&TRR and they provide docents to ride along with you, giving you all sorts of information about the railroad itself - history, engineering of the track, geology of the area, flora and fauna, etc. These guys were very helpful and full of all kinds of stories and anecdotes to keep the ride interesting. This ride takes most of the day but you will not regret it if you take the opportunity to board her and head off! Trains buffs will REALLY enjoy it.
The Road Runners
Buddy & Elaine
1st Thess 5:18
PTL!