Taking the curves on the way to Osier.
Looking down at the Los Pinos River.
Curving toward Osier. It was announced that we would remain on our own trainset all the way through to Chama. The reason for this was the railroad felt that the Mudhen K27 463 could not handle the train down the four percent grade from Cumbres Pass to Chama. At first, I felt that this was a loss. But talking with Elizabeth, it would be a win because she would now be able to ride behind two different steam engines on the Cumbres and Toltec. So when the train arrives to Osier, our engine will cut off and go around the balloon track after the engine from Chama did the same thing. This would get both trains back to their starting points safely.
The Chama engine was already going around the balloon track at Osier.
Our engine, 463, pulling up to the switch.
Our engine started its journey around the balloon track.
Our new engine, K36 484, nee Denver and Rio Grande Western 484, built by Baldwin in 1925 reversing onto our train.
The Mudhen continued to reverse around the balloon track.
K36 484 reversed onto our train.
The Mudhen continued to reverse.
The engine has coupled up to our train.
The Mudhen disappeared around the balloon track hill.
Our train, now led by 484, makes its way the short distance to Osier.
At the East Osier switch.
Our train went down the siding.
A last view of Mudhen 463. We then arrived at Osier and detrained and were directed to the appropriate line dependent on the choice of buffet meal ordered at the beginning of the train ride. We went to the correct doors and I enjoyed my turkey lunch, mashed potatoes, rolls and chocolate cake for dessert and lemonade.
After lunch, the scene at Osier.
The rear of the train to Antonito.
It was now time for our train to leave Osier.
The Osier water tower.
Our train on the move up the grade.
The section house at Osier.
An emergency coal loading facility at Osier.
Rounding the sweeping curve.
Looking back toward Osier.
The engine working hard up the grade.
Looking back at Osier.
The Antonito-bound train in the distance.
Our train climbing above the Los Pinos River.
The Antonito-bound train on its way to the Toltec Gorge.
Ranch houses in the Los Pinos River valley.
Passing a slide zone.
Looking across the Los Pinos River valley.
The U-shaped valley created by glaciers.
We were now on the way to Cascade Trestle.
The Los Pinos River valley.
Crossing the Cascade Trestle, the highest bridge on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic, 137 feet above Cascade Creek.
Now bound for the Los Pinos valley.
Trees in the Los Pinos valley.
Still travelling through the large valley.
The Long Creek sign.
Looking back to where we had been.
Looking up where Los Pinos River meets Los Pinos Creek.
Turning into the Los Pinos River valley.
Looking back to where we had come from.
Going into the valley.
Interesting rock formations along our route.
Another communication box.
We were travelling east.
The Los Pinos water tank across the valley.
Still asecending!
A cow by the Los Pinos River.
The Los Pinos water tank.
The Los Pinos station sign.
Approaching the water tank.
Rounding the curve at Los Pinos including a blowdown.
Stopping to take on water at Los Pinos.
The Los Pinos water tank.
Climbing the grade.
Leaving the water tank behind.
The lake in the Los Pinos valley.
Free range cattle grazing.
Climbing into the valley.