My oldest daughter's, oldest son came to Colorado to spend time with us. He made his way out here to attend a Church Camp in Alamosa and we picked him up there.
Emery had all kinds of adventures.
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| We took advantage of the high speed car charger in Alamosa and found it was located next to a railyard of classic railroad equipment. That was a treat to explore while the car charged |
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| We noticed movement at the end of our driveway and found we had three badgers living in a den under the road. We assume they are Mom, Dad and Junior. Pretty fun to watch, but they have a reputation for being nasty... We explored the incredible mining structures above Creede        |
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| We had cut down a number of dying trees on our property and were able to split and stack them with Emery's help. We are now set for firewood for the winter. |
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| We took the scenic CO 92 highway and stopped for pictures along the way |
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| The view of Morrow Point in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is always impressive |
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| We wet our lines fishing for rainbow trout in our mountain lake. The heat is such the fish are inactive and we are experiencing a fish die off due to Hypoxia. So sad. |
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| We have a "Smokey the Bear" sign entering our neighborhood which we change out the warning to alert all of fire danger potential |
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| Cattle on the roadway allowed for discussion about 'Open Range' and 'Fence In' and 'Fence Out' laws |
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| We made it to Chama, NM to check out the historic Narrow Gauge Steam RR Yard and bridges |
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| A camp fire felt good in the chill of the morning |
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| Posing with the steam engine getting ready to climb to Cumbres Pass |
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| This is the famous 'Jukes Tree' known to photographers of the narrow gauge railroad |
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| Waiting for the train |
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| Getting just the right photograph |
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| Each train is followed by the fire patrol car checking for spark/cinder caused flair ups |
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| The water spout at Cumbres Pass is used to fill the water tender after the hard climb up the mountain |
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| We had an interesting stop on our way to Chama. The small town of Saguache, CO has a number of military vehicles parked along the highway. We stopped to check them out and the owner invited us in to see his private collection of military hardware. It was very interesting! |
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| The highlight was a faithful recreation of the Jeep used by the Rat Patrol to reek havoc behind Rommel's lines in Africa in WWII |
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| We found this sidewalk sign in front of a wine bar across from the Durango Train Station |
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| Julie watched the dog while Emery and I explored the RR Museum |
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| This was an example of the 'Doghouse" which sits atop the tender behind the steam engine. The forward brakeman sits here and stays out of the weather while awaiting the time he is to work the brakes on the train |
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| There is a bit of everything in the museum which tells all about life in SW Colorado over the decades |
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| We stopped at Rockwood to see one of the few remaining stub switches on the narrow gauge. I thought Emery might like to see this from an engineering standpoint |
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| We checked out the rock cut leading to the historic 'Highline" |
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| We made our way to Haviland Lake to spend the night |
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| Rudi enjoyed the trip |
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| An overcast morning made for some good photos |
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| We were all looking forward to a hearty breakfast in Silverton, CO. Sadly the town does not really open up until the trains arrive around 11 AM. We left hungry - Sigh... |
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| We checked signage telling all about the mining activity on Red Mountain Pass |
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| A stop at the Ridgway RR Museum found a lot of activity |
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| Rides were being given on all of their equipment |
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| Emery and I rode in the cupola of this caboose |
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| We made it to Denver for the flight home by Emery and his Mom. Stopped by the Art Museum to check it out |
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| Julie and I enjoy seeing the various pottery glaze types |
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| This was beautiful |
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| As was this |
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| A walk thru IKEA displays after dinner in the café brought the day to a close |
