Colorado/New Mexico Vacation - 2015
Day 9 - Saturday, October 3rd
This was departure day for everyone to head home, and most of the gang met early for breakfast. I declined and slept-in for a bit. I'm not really a morning and/or breakfast person anyway. I had plans for lunch in another city along the way and wanted to save room.
I got all cleaned up, packed, and loaded the car, then began saying goodbye to everyone. We had a great time together, made some new friends, and we all look forward to our next Chama adventure. I'm not actually sure I'll go next year though. This is the first time I've done this annual trek two years in a row, so I might skip a year so as to keep it fresh.
Driving north out of Chama I passed that day's double-header steam train. That means there are two engines on the front, which they do on weekends when there are larger crowds and more passenger cars. The small steam engines can only pull so much up a mountain, so longer trains means more steam engines. They have actually run triple-headers before, and that would be so cool so see!
Over the mountain passes I go, the highest being 10,300 feet, and make my way into Antonito, CO. I stopped and took some pictures, then proceeded north to Alamosa, CO, which is where I had my planned lunch. Three years ago I was there and discovered this excellent Italian restaurant called the Rialto, which was actually the name of the old movie theatre it is housed in. Although the piped-in old Italian music was cheesy and unnecessary, the food was excellent. I enjoyed a pasta dish with shrimp, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms, all in a delightful cream sauce. Yummy!
I headed east on Highway 160 from there through the open plains to later arrive in Walsenburg, CO and the entrance to I-25 north towards Denver. I passed through Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and eventually into Denver. It all took about 6 hours with lunch, photo and potty stops. I'm staying at my friend's apartment while they are out of town. I started some laundry and took what was supposed to be a brief nap. I woke up two hours later! I guess I was more tired than I thought. It was dark outside, and I was ready for dinner. Luckily, the place I've been wanting to go to is only about 6 miles from the apartment, and that's Helga's German Restaurant, which is where we tried to go last weekend, but Octoberfest was in full swing and I wasn't going to wait two hours. Surprisingly, being a Saturday evening, I had no wait and sat right down. I ordered the Rouladen, which is a rolled-up beef dish, along with spätzle and red cabbage.
Back to the apartment I go to fold laundry and get ready to fly back to Houston tomorrow from DIA. With that being said, this will be my final entry for this trip as tomorrow is just a travel day. If anything unusual happens that is newsworthy, I might make a brief entry, but don't count on it. I look forward to getting home as I have missed everyone a lot.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments about my daily posts. I enjoy doing this not only because of the necessity of it (my very bad memory), but to hopefully give you something different to read and enjoy as well.
So far, no more trips planned for the rest of the year, but that could change. Lawrence and I and the dog may just take a long weekend and go somewhere. That means more stories to write!
See ya next time.....
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Colorado/New Mexico Vacation - 2015
Day 8 - Friday, October 2nd
Today was the denouement of my vacation this week as our group rode the amazing Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad here in Chama, NM. This group has certainly grown over the years from when it started well over 20 years ago. Our passenger count was 34 today. The group chartered our own parlor car on the rear of the train, and includes our own car attendant who serves snacks, sodas, and yes, alcohol. It's all included in the price which is $200 per person. We also receive gifts from the railroad in ways of insulated beverage canisters, embroidered tote bags, and a lapel pin.
The railroad runs their narrow gauge steam trains between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. Each day a train departs from both ends at 10am and meets in the middle of the line where they serve a delicious hot lunch to all passengers and crew members, again all being included in the price. We left Chama by bus at 8:30am and met the train at the other end about an hour later. It was a smooth train ride and fun was had by all. The scenery was spectacular of course with the aspens changing colors in the cool weather. Speaking of weather, it was inclement as rain was forecast today, and we certainly got it. It actually hailed on us, but we were safe and dry inside.
We arrived back in Chama just after 4pm, and we all went back to the motel and relaxed a bit before heading to dinner at the popular steak house across the street. We walked over at 6:30pm and the staff was totally inundated not only with our group, but two others at the same time. They eventually got our dinner out to us and we all enjoyed it. I had the ribeye steak.
After dinner we all waddled back to the motel where I was approached by the innkeeper, Chester. He wanted to go to the local casino about 30 minutes away and wanted me to go with him. Sure, why not! I actually doubled my money at one point, but of course gave it all back and then some for a total loss of about $75.
Tomorrow I'll have a chance to sleep-in a bit as I am driving to Denver and have all day to get there. It's about a 5-hour drive. I'm staying at Christopher and Rob's place again tomorrow night, although they won't be there. They are on vacation in Louisiana for a few days, but they gave me a key and I'll just make myself at home.
I just hope the rain goes away. I don't like driving unfamiliar mountain roads in the rain!
Day 8 - Friday, October 2nd
Today was the denouement of my vacation this week as our group rode the amazing Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad here in Chama, NM. This group has certainly grown over the years from when it started well over 20 years ago. Our passenger count was 34 today. The group chartered our own parlor car on the rear of the train, and includes our own car attendant who serves snacks, sodas, and yes, alcohol. It's all included in the price which is $200 per person. We also receive gifts from the railroad in ways of insulated beverage canisters, embroidered tote bags, and a lapel pin.
The railroad runs their narrow gauge steam trains between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. Each day a train departs from both ends at 10am and meets in the middle of the line where they serve a delicious hot lunch to all passengers and crew members, again all being included in the price. We left Chama by bus at 8:30am and met the train at the other end about an hour later. It was a smooth train ride and fun was had by all. The scenery was spectacular of course with the aspens changing colors in the cool weather. Speaking of weather, it was inclement as rain was forecast today, and we certainly got it. It actually hailed on us, but we were safe and dry inside.
We arrived back in Chama just after 4pm, and we all went back to the motel and relaxed a bit before heading to dinner at the popular steak house across the street. We walked over at 6:30pm and the staff was totally inundated not only with our group, but two others at the same time. They eventually got our dinner out to us and we all enjoyed it. I had the ribeye steak.
After dinner we all waddled back to the motel where I was approached by the innkeeper, Chester. He wanted to go to the local casino about 30 minutes away and wanted me to go with him. Sure, why not! I actually doubled my money at one point, but of course gave it all back and then some for a total loss of about $75.
Tomorrow I'll have a chance to sleep-in a bit as I am driving to Denver and have all day to get there. It's about a 5-hour drive. I'm staying at Christopher and Rob's place again tomorrow night, although they won't be there. They are on vacation in Louisiana for a few days, but they gave me a key and I'll just make myself at home.
I just hope the rain goes away. I don't like driving unfamiliar mountain roads in the rain!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Colorado/New Mexico Vacation - 2015
Day 7 - Thursday, October 1st
I had a rough night last night. There wasn't a room for me at the inn, so I had to share a room with friends. There were 4 of us in there, and I got the roll-away. As you can imagine, it was lumpy and somewhat uncomfortable. They got up at 6am to go ride the train, and I went back to sleep after they left.
I met one of our group for breakfast at 8am, and we were designated as the ride back to Chama for the group riding the train, which is a one-way trip. We chased the train through the mountains and got a lot of great pictures of not only the train, but the beautiful scenery. The Aspen trees were ablaze with bright reds, oranges and yellows, and the steam train winding through it all was spectacular.
About a third of the way through the trip, the train was having air problems and kept stopping. After about 10 times of this, we decided to go to the end of the line and wait for them. They were supposed to arrive at 3pm. They got there a little after 7pm. We sat there for almost five hours with nowhere to go, and nothing to do. We went to the cafe next door for a sandwich then went to the car and took a nap. I haven't been that bored in a long time. While we were chasing the train, we went over two mountain passes, each one a little over 10,000 feet. In the lower elevations it was in the 80's. On the passes it was in the 50's. I'm not used to temperature changes like that. I was constantly putting my jacket on and back off again throughout the day. As I'm writing this, it's already in the 40's outside.
After we all got back to home base in Chama, and after more of our group drove in from all over the country, we now have well over 30 people gathered. The Thursday night before the big train ride day is always pizza night. A dozen pizzas, salad, lemon bars and other desserts, and plenty of alcohol flowing, it was a party in full swing. Being that we all have to get up early for breakfast and to ride the train, we broke it up kinda early so we will be rested and ready for the trip tomorrow. I stayed up late catching up with my good and long time friend Bob Krieger as we are sharing a room together. So many stories, so little time.
Tomorrow's forecast doesn't look good. Highs in the 60's and a 50% chance of rain will make for a messy train ride, but I'm here with a lot of great friends, so let it rain!
Day 7 - Thursday, October 1st
I had a rough night last night. There wasn't a room for me at the inn, so I had to share a room with friends. There were 4 of us in there, and I got the roll-away. As you can imagine, it was lumpy and somewhat uncomfortable. They got up at 6am to go ride the train, and I went back to sleep after they left.
I met one of our group for breakfast at 8am, and we were designated as the ride back to Chama for the group riding the train, which is a one-way trip. We chased the train through the mountains and got a lot of great pictures of not only the train, but the beautiful scenery. The Aspen trees were ablaze with bright reds, oranges and yellows, and the steam train winding through it all was spectacular.
About a third of the way through the trip, the train was having air problems and kept stopping. After about 10 times of this, we decided to go to the end of the line and wait for them. They were supposed to arrive at 3pm. They got there a little after 7pm. We sat there for almost five hours with nowhere to go, and nothing to do. We went to the cafe next door for a sandwich then went to the car and took a nap. I haven't been that bored in a long time. While we were chasing the train, we went over two mountain passes, each one a little over 10,000 feet. In the lower elevations it was in the 80's. On the passes it was in the 50's. I'm not used to temperature changes like that. I was constantly putting my jacket on and back off again throughout the day. As I'm writing this, it's already in the 40's outside.
After we all got back to home base in Chama, and after more of our group drove in from all over the country, we now have well over 30 people gathered. The Thursday night before the big train ride day is always pizza night. A dozen pizzas, salad, lemon bars and other desserts, and plenty of alcohol flowing, it was a party in full swing. Being that we all have to get up early for breakfast and to ride the train, we broke it up kinda early so we will be rested and ready for the trip tomorrow. I stayed up late catching up with my good and long time friend Bob Krieger as we are sharing a room together. So many stories, so little time.
Tomorrow's forecast doesn't look good. Highs in the 60's and a 50% chance of rain will make for a messy train ride, but I'm here with a lot of great friends, so let it rain!
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