GKC 2012 - Day 3

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Antonita to Chama

It was an early morning!

We left the cabin about 6:40,

with a 2 1/2 hour drive ahead.

A little side note is inserted here...
Leaving, we passed a neighbor who was out for her morning walk.
I slowed down to say hello.

As we drove away, the three "littles" in the back interrogated,

"Grammy, do you know her?"

"Yes"

"Is she nice?"

"Oh, yes!"

"Does she like children?"

"Yes"

'Is she your friend?"

'Yes"

"Does she bring you cookies?"

"Uhh, no."

'"Oh"

"Grammy, do you know our Aunt Glenda?" (Brock)

'Yes, I do!" (me)

"Well, she gave us some fishing stuff -

bobbers, a tackle box and poles" (Brock)

'How nice!" (me)

"Did she give you cookies?" (Charlotte)

"No" (Brock)

In case you, like I, didn't know,

apparently the true test of friendship is cookies.

Well, really it doesn't hurt, huh?

In the other truck, they listen to Hank The Cowdog.

In my vehicle, we have memorable conversations.

Yes, for nine passengers at GKC, we take two vehicles!

(Good news: we are down to three boosters and no car seats!) 

Now, back to our regularly scheduled trip...

Our timing was perfect for our 10 AM departure. 

We had time for pictures

And exploring.

ALL ABOARD!

Ticket, please?

As if riding without seat belts wasn't enough,

there was an open air car where we could ride standing up

AND OUTSIDE!  All of these kids are 'outside pets', so this was perfect.

 Even the two tunnels were adventures!

Even riding between the cars was permitted!

Adult supervision was required.

Snack time.

Enjoy the ride!

"How can I make your trip more enjoyable?"

(Holly, playing stewardess)

One tired boy.

Cousin cuties.

The scenery was pretty.

We didn't know these 4 Wheeler people.

We checked.

We did wonder if they were riding on private land,

BLM, State Trust or National Forest land.

They were on good trails, with RR crossings.

On the return, we had an entire car to ourselves.

Will and Jack

Holly and Grant

PawPaw and Holly

It was relaxing.

  

I don't know?

The shots of steam were pretty exciting.

On the morning train, we found that our seats were split.

Four seats were at the back

and five were at the front.

Fortunately, the train was not full and we all sat together at the back.

On the return, someone was in our seats.

When we asked the conductor about it, 

he said that there was open seating.

After explaining that we were a group of seven children and two adults,

they had an entire empty car for us!

We arrived back at the cabin about 8 PM,

tired, hungry and very dirty!