Sep 24 2017 - Clarendon,TX to home

Just a 5 hour run home from here.  287 parallels a railroad much of the way. Long coal trains are often seen here.  In the old days, if we beeped our horn at the driver he would cheerfully blast back.  They seem less willing to do that now - but we still try.

Finally home - our wonderful neighbor has been keeping the visible front lawn neat - we told him not to worry about the back yard.  It certainly needed a haircut.

All safely tucked away and ready for the next adventure!

Sep 23 2017 - Raton,NM to Clarendon,TX

Not much to see on the journey today - but we end up at a pretty lake in Clarendon.
Not many folks here - and its threatening to rain, but a group campers turn up complete with boats and beer.  It is a weekend after all.  They were no trouble and kept to themselves.

Last camping picture for this trip - enjoy!

Sep 22 2017 - Chama,NM to Raton,NM

Up early to catch the "up" train.  You can tell its going up!

Today we are chugging our way south East - and today we go via Taos.  But before we get there, while motoring along a flat boring stretch with mountains up ahead, suddenly we are hundreds of feet above the Rio Grande.  Wasn't expecting that!   Had to u-turn on the far side to get back to the hidden overlook.

Notice the manekin top left....

Then we take the scenic loop around Taos ski valley, before heading East on Hiway 64

As the day winds down we find ourselves in the dusty town of Cimarron.  Another place that was famous back in the days of the wild west.  The Hotel just out of town has an interesting history.  St James Hotel

Sep 21 2017 - Durango,CO to Chama,NM

Next morning after breakfast we again wait like kids for the "up" train to pass through. We will never grow up.

Then we zoom into town to take a look around

 Yes - we bought Chocolate Croissants to go with our coffee.  Needed a mortgage to pay for them but what the heck - We're on vacation!

Its only a short drive to Chama so not many photos - lucky you!

And when we get there what do we find? - More trains!

After dropping off our house at the campground, we took a spin up the road that follows the first part of the rail line.  Stunning views.   That would be a great rail trip - but it takes all day and we dont have a spare day.  We'll come back one day.

Back at the campground, we go exploring and find the railroad - This should be fun tomorrow when the train comes through.

Sep 20 2017 - P2 Silverton to Durango

After lunch the town quickly empties out again as soon as the train leaves.

But its a lovely day to walk off lunch

Climbing out of the valley you get a nice view of the town - and its railroad turnaround tracks
We were fortunate that the road works stopped us right here - what a great view.

One of the official lookouts at the top....

Down in the valley we head for our campground for the night. Guess what comes right through 4 times a day?

Like a bunch of kids - we eagerly await the train - adult beverages in hand......