Enter New Mexico- Steam trains, fall colors and Chama time

It’s hard to believe I’m already three years in for my post Open Heart Surgery Anniversary. After getting out for last years anniversary (Fall time bliss on Kebler Pass) I decided to make it an annual trip to go out and celebrate the anniversary. With work kindly letting me take a day for a long weekend, even though I was just down in New Mexico for a week for this years Outlaws Run, I headed down to Chama, NM to celebrate.

I’ve been to Chama a number of time, especially since we started chasing the Cumbres and Toltec with the club a few years ago. Yet, I’ve never enjoyed Chama as it seems were always in a rush passing through to get back to camp. Needles to say it was great to spend a few days in town. Chama is definitely in its own world. Current hours for the Boxcar Cafe: 9-3pm.

Even got to spend some time with family and friends while there:).

Getting ready for the days trip to Antonito from the Chama train yard.

A full open air car and the Lobato Trestle.

Always love the Aspens in the Chama Valley.

This gentleman wound up in quite a few of my shots. He made for a good subject along with the steam train.

A wonderfully moody Chama Valley from Windy point.

Coming into the Los Pinos Valley.

Never got to thank this lady while I took pics.

Cascade Trestle- Highest trestle on the Cumbres and Toltec.

Coming into Osier. Time for Lunch! Always love this curve as you come into Osier from Chama.

After Osier and lunch, the rain set in for a bit. A different experience for me but most enjoyable.

One of my favorite Aspen stands along the route. Just about to Toltec Gorge.

Things cleared up a bit after Toltec Gorge. I was but one of a few in the open air car. A most wonderful experience going through the fog.

Maintenance check stop at Sublette.

Moody views from Sublette.

Enter New Mexico.

Lava Tank and a moody Antonito Mt.

Getting ready to chase the Friday “High Noon Special” – Chama to Cumbres Pass and back.

Leaving the Chama Train Yard.

Up through the Chama Valley.

Climbing up to Windy Point.

Cumbres Pass.

Cresco Tank.

Back through the Chama Valley. Fresh snow on the higher peaks.

Chama River Trestle. Almost back into the train yard.

Apparently a good pizza joint. Closed off course when I was there (due to staffing shortage).

Downtown Chama.

Halloween is upon us.

Chama Hotel and Shops. A fine place to stay in downtown Chama.

Cumbres Pass. Bliss. October 2nd- Anniversary day for my Open Heart Surgery. Couldn’t ask for a better morning for a drive back home.

Conejos River Valley. Bliss.

  1. Great pictures – as always. The train pics, the colors, the fog – wow. Happy anniversary.

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