Chasing the Cumbres and Toltec, Summer 2023. Act 1: A moody drive through Mesita and the chase out of Chama

After a fine evening around the campfire with friends to start the trip, I woke up early Thursday to catch the sunrise. With the train leaving the depot at 10am, we had some time in the morning to enjoy camp. So after the sunrise, I went back to bed. With the early start for work, I don’t get to sleep in much.

An old, finely built brick homestead and some fine views of Ute Mountain, just outside Mesita.

Moody views as I pass through Mesita.

Ute Mountain.

San Luis Hills.

Looking back towards the Sangre de Christo’s.

Ute Mountain again.

A super cool old one lane bridge over the Rio Grande River.

Finally made it to camp. Great to be hanging out with friends.

Evening sets in.

A fine sunset over the San Luis Valley, with the Sangre de Christos in the distance. Always love the views from camp above Sublette.

Wild Iris in bloom. Super happy this year!

Sunrise from camp. Watched the sun come up over the Sangres then back to bed. Nice thing about chasing the train is that it doesn’t leave the yard until 10am. Plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed morning in camp.

Mornings warmth.

Wild Iris:).

At the Chama yard. #484 preps for the trip to Antonito.

Leaving the Chama Yard.

More Wild Iris. A whole field of them:).

#484 passing by Lobato Trestle.

Making our way through the Chama Valley.

#484 passing over Windy Point with the rigs down below.

After the train stopped at Cumbres Pass for Water, we headed out for Apache Canyon. A fun dirt route that would take us to Osier. After turning off the highway, we found the trail blocked by a big snow drift.