Alamosa to Durango

Another day, another train trip! Gosh life is tough down here in southern Colorado. Woke up bright and early for the Potato Train on the 26th, a mixed freight from Alamosa to Monte Vista. Got our tickets and also purchased a San Lois and Rio Grande cap and tee-shirt, as their clothing was much nicer than the C&T stuff. Went down to the station after that, met the conductor who said we still had a good 15 minutes to kill before departure, so we went across the road to the local farmers market. Lots of veges, a beautiful husky, watermelons the sized of basketballs, some crochet, and other assorted small town trinkets. Went back and boarded our train. We made up half the passengers! It was very low key and fun, and had a good chat with the conductor. When he heard we were off to Durango he drew us a map and timetable so that we could follow the Cumbres and Toltec and chase it into Chama, NM. Bit of a railfan himself obviously :-)

So we trundled along the line in a massive heavyweight semi-open carriage (as in a few of the window panes were missing). The back of the carriage had a little open balcony that we could go out on and watch the track disappearing away behind us.

About an hour later we arrived in Monte Vista, a quiet little town. Went for a walk around there, found an Adams St, and a "drive-thru" bank.

 
Our ride into town / Fuelman, one of many American fuel chains. And what an awesome sign!

 
Adams St in downtown Monte Vista. Note the Sunflower drive-thru bank. When we came back the queue of vehicles extended out onto the street, sigh.

Went looking for lunch, I wanted some pancakes because Ange had had them for brekky and said they were really yummy and I was jealous. Went all over town but nothing. The Sugar Barn was closed, and Diary Queen now mainly serve burgers, just like every other fast food chain in America. No wonder I stay as far away from them as possible (haven't touched a McDonalds yet except to use their bathrooms, yeeharr, exploiting the corporates!). Gave in and had an Oreo sundae from Dairy Queen, so at least I can say I've been to a DQ now. Really nothing to get excited about.

Wandered quite quickly back to the train, got on and trundled down to the turning triangle. Felt quite important holding up all the traffic for our single carriage train. Unfortunately our mixed freight was freight-less today, probably on account of being a weekend so their main customers are closed down.

Setting the points / Around we go at Sugar Junction

Had a good chat on the way back; apparently the San Lois valley is one of the coldest places in America during the winter, with -35°F (about the same in °C!) being regular early morning temperature! During the day it'll swing 65°F up to a tee-shirt weather! Pretty amazing climate, and very tough with all the expansion and contraction. He joked that the first breath of outside air each morning in winter can really take your breath away; I imagine it most certainly would!!

So back we trundled. Passed another of their new locos, an ex Rio Grande tunnel motor in striking blue/white/silver/black livery. I would've preferred maroon/gold, but never mind.

Arrived back in Alamosa and hopped in the car for Durango. First stop: Antonito to check train times. Second stop: Los Pinos water tower to wait for the C&T passenger train. Pulled up and saw an older guy already there, so figured he was here for the trains. Had a good chat for 30 mins until the train arrived. Then it was all go as we chased it into Chama.

Approaching the Los Pinos water tank.

Self portrait.

C&T making its way around an amazing mountain full of conifers and aspens. Obviously just a model.

Aspens along the highway.

Could almost be North Canterbury.

Releasing excess water in the boiler; simply amazing sight as they expel it out the side of the train.

Approaching a crossing / Wasn't expecting this!

2009 or 1886? Not sure of the occasion, but there was a large group of people in period costume.

Serious photographers, old and young.

Loco cooling off at Chama. Amazing now ploughs on these beasts.

Then we pressed onto the smelly town of Pegosa Springs where a live Mexican band were playing. Seems New Mexico drivers are quite blind; whereas in most states (and NZ) double yellow lines serve just fine for no-passing areas, in NM they need double yellow lines, a yellow triangle at the start with "No passing zone" and a white sign on the opposite side with "Do not pass". Then at the end they have "Pass with care". Wow! You sure notice this on a hilly road where there is a constant barrage of signs. I like trying to spot the differences in each state.

A few more small towns and we were in Durango. Saw a KOA campground on the way in so camped there. Lovely tent site, but got very lost trying to find it again later that night after dinner. Quite embarrassing. Went into Durango proper for dinner and wow was it busy. Whereas Antonito has been a simple little town, Durango had miles and miles of shopping centers surrounding it and massive multi lane highways leading into and through it. Obviously a small town gone wild. When we arrived it seemed everyone was out in town; it was crazy!

Went looking for a BBQ joint, but found a new petrol station in its place. Not what I was after! Found a pizza place that did 3 foot pizzas! We had 3 slices between us and it was too much. Had a very yummy bacon/cheese/pineapple/orange/secret-red-sauce pizza.

Finally it was back to the camp site and time for bed; 6am start the following morning!