California Zephyr through Wyoming?!

Part II - Challenger #3985 UP Excursion Denver to Cheyenne July 24, 2004

Saturday, July 24, 2004, we knew the Challenger #3985 would leave Denver at 7 a.m. with the UP excursion units for the Cheyenne Roundup.  The TV weather forecast was 'cloudy, cool with afternoon showers.'  It was not showering as we walked from the La Quinta Inn and were in place on the junction of the Wewatta St and Park Avenue West Bridges before 7.  We had a good view of the Challenger preparing for departure and the baseball stadium.  It was cool, and we wore jackets.  Rail Fans crowded around the engine until there was one long blast on the whistle.  One attendant walked ahead and threw two switches then back to the engine.  At precisely 7, two blasts and she was off.  We were positioned for full-length shots.  The air was cool, about 60 degrees, damp and a breeze blew west to east and we were north of the unit.  The smoke and steam were spectacular!  

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	After the Challenger passed under the bridge (below, left), we crossed that same bridge for more pictures as she headed north (below).  There were a half-dozen other rail fans on the bridge enjoying what we thought was the best vantage point, thanks to Chris knowing the territory.

From the Park Avenue bridge, we could easily see down into the BNSF yards and shops and round table.