Funny, while booking my ticket for the Train Trip this past June, I came across the celebrations for the Steam Trains that the Cumbers & Toltec are using are over a hundred years old. Naturally, I got excited and bought tickets for the celebration- Night shoot at the Chama Yard on Friday. Charter Train on Thursday. Drive down Wednesday after work.

Wednesday I found myself to tired to make the six hour drive after work. Thursday morning while packing, I got a call from the train “are you coming?” Yeah I messed up. Once in Chama, was a weekend filled with trains and friends. I chased the train out of Chama on Thursday up to Cumbres Pass. Stopping along the way. Once at Cumbres Pass, I came upon the charter train for that day. Hung out with one of the Engineers for a bit before watching the Chama train come into the yard and take on water. Back in town, enjoyed a nice lunch from the hotel and some relaxing before heading back over to the Chama yard. A group was leading a walking tour around the yard. That evening, I was back at the yard for a night shoot. Sadly my tripod broke, but learned some new settings and was able to get a few shots.

Saturday, I was up early. While passing through Los Pinos, I was able to watch that days charter train pass by. Then I continued the long drive home.

A parade of steam. They ran three trains together (a triple header) and blew the horns through the yard in Chama. A fun way to start the weekend.

Leaving the Chama yard.

Some always good views in the Chama Valley. Once at Cumbres Pass, watched a C130 do a low flyover over the valley. Always fun.

Along the Co/NM boarder.

Cumbres Pass.

The Charter group taking pics of the Chama train taking on water.

Lunch at the hotel. Mac and Cheese with Green Chili and Pulled Pork. A fantastic combo.

After lunch, headed back over to the yard as they were giving a walking tour of the yard.

Cool to see the shop and extremely dirty shop cat. I made a joke that the cat was originally white.

Night time shoot at the Chama yard. Sadly my tripod stopped working, so broke out the cell phone.

This scene reminded me of some of O Winston Links photographs.

Was able to capture this with the big camera not using a tripod. Learned some new settings thanks to the host.

Next we headed over to the ash pit. Got to watch two different Engines at this spot.

My favorite from the night shoot.

Some great morning clouds as I make my way through the Chama Valley.

Making my way through the Los Penos Valley and was able to enjoy the Charter train making it’s way to Osier.

Love this view of the Conejos Valley:).