Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway - New Mexico! Colorado! New Mexico! Colorado! etc.

We decided to take the train from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO. We checked out the Durango-to-Silverton ride, which also looked good; this one just had more of the loosey-goosey, lucky-ducky atmosphere we wanted. 

The C&T line is narrow-gauge, meaning the track is three feet across. This allowed for tighter turns in the mountains.

Chama is cute, what there is of it. Locals go to Pagosa Springs for big shops.

I had lots of time on this cliff face to take pictures, since we made an emergency stop.

The train crosses the New Mexico-Colorado border eleven times; so will you.

"No one else had the raw garlic crudites?"

We passed by our engine and it's -eer. It's okay - we had two engines going up the hill. 

Volunteers are replacing the foundation.

Paparazzi  

Paparrazo

I'm used to this kind of attention.

I don't mind.

It's not the end yet.

You'll have lunch in Osier, which is not a town. Depending on what you chose at the ticket counter, you'll turn around and go back to Chama or Antonito, or you'll continue on to the other terminus and return by bus. Your ticket will cost $95, and they will offer you AAA or veteran's discount. 

I took pictures of Toltec Gorge, but couldn't begin to do it justice. I'd be darning it with faint praise.

Durango, Colorado

I have a new idea. Scroll through this post as fast as you can and pretend it's silent film.

We didn't ride the Durango & Silverton; we have decided to cash in our train chips at the Cumbres & Toltec line.

Views expressed by this shirt do not necessarily reflect those of the management.

Strater Hotel, Durango

Durango immediately reminded me of Flagstaff, Arizona. Gentrified downtown, mountains in the background, politically left-leaning. I don't know if it considers itself a college town, although Fort     Lewis College adds about 4,000 to the city's population.

Animas River provides some exciting whitewater, and the visitor's center makes it easy to use. Also, RVs can find fresh water and a dump station there.* 

*NOT in the river. 

What the what is going on out there?

Durango was hosting a classic car show downtown. I found a bookstore.

We've been relaxing at the Vallecito Resort. I'm not a resort gal, although I have enjoyed the hot tub and the laundry room. Sites are too small, and neighbors are too close; we're already looking forward to New Mexico state parks again. Colorado is beautiful and knows it. New Mexico is a shy beauty who isn't so secure in her allure.