Even though only three friends from the club joined me, this years Train Trip was a blast and definitely needed, especially after a busy stretch of work. I planned to drive down to camp after work on Wednesday, but decided against it. After picking up the rental from the Downtown Home City location, I loaded up the rental then relaxed for the night. Up early the next day, I headed South enjoying the drive over La Veta Pass before turning West outside of San Luis (Colorado’s oldest town). At the Antonito yard, I meet up with Ige and Dereck. After watching #463 leave the yard, we headed to camp to drop off the rental, then spent the morning chasing the train from Big Horn Wye. After leaving Osier, we spent some time picking up trash along the road back to camp- Ige said there was only a few pieces to pick up… It became a fun game. Then a relaxing evening around camp. Friday we enjoyed another great train ride, this year, riding the train from Antonito. The conductor ended up chatting with us quite a bit during the day, telling us fun stories from working on the railroad. Back in Antonito, we had dinner in town, then another fine night around the campfire. Saturday we chased the train out of Chama. Stopping at the usual spots for photos before turning off on Apache Canyon. Not being snowed in this year, we stopped to air down ( and get a few pics of the train), then headed out on the trail. We ended up befriending John from ABQ and he joined us for the drive. After fording the Rio de Los Pinos below Osier, we hung out again watching the trains. After, we packed up camp and headed for home. I love you summer:).

I ended up taking over 400 pics during the weekend, so a bit pic heavy:).

Views of the Spanish Peaks as I head South. Adventure bound:).

#463 ready for the days run from Antonito, CO.

The rental made it to camp. After parking it, we continued on chasing the train.

At Big Horn Wye waiting for the train and the start of the chase.

#463 coming into Sublette.

Osier. Lunch stop for the Cumbre’s and Toltec.

Wild Iris’s are happy again this year:).

On our way back Ige mentioned a few pieces of trash that we needed to pick up. It ended up becoming a game of leapfrog between Ige and Dereck. Stopping every few feet picking up trash along the road.

Always fun to catch the afternoon train come into Sublette.

#463 doing a maintenance check at Sublette.

Evening light around camp.

Paintbrush

Always a fine camp.

Sunset.

Always love the sunrises from camp.

Sangre de Christo’s in the distance.

#463 in the Antonito yard.

Morning preparations.

Hangman’s Trestle.

Friendly people:).

While riding the Cumbres and Toltec, you cross the NM/CO state line 11 times.

Sangre de Christo’s in the distance.

Working our way through Whiplash Curve.

Ige and James.

Working our way to Toltec Gorge.

A summer shower kept us inside for a bit.

Switching trains at Osier. #463 makes the run out of Antonito.

Love this shot of #463.

Coming into the Los Pinos Valley.

Views from the parlor car.

Tangle foot curve.

Highest point on the railroad. Cumbres Pass, 10,022ft.

Windy Point.

Love the Chama Valley.

Indy.

A fine sunset from camp.

Morning light on the Sangre’s.

Love this sign.

#489 leaving the Chama yard.

Climbing through the Chama Valley.

Below Windy Point

Cumbres Pass.

Coming into the Los Pinos Valley.

We were the first ones to open up Apache Canyon, from the Chama side this year.

John joined us from ABQ.

Dereck spotting Ige down the bypass on the Apache Canyon road.

Dereck’s turn.

John.

A section of road that defiantly needs attention.

Apache Creek.

Fording the Rio de Los Pinos.

Back at Osier.

End.