Adventurers in the Rockies
Chapter Twelve
Denver airport, Cheyenne &
Douglas, WY
July 12, 2016
Tuesday
by
Robin Bowers
Text and Photos by Author
The
author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed
without the author's consent.
Comments are appreciated at...yr.mmxx@gmail.com
Leaving our motel in
Westminster, Chris G. and I drove to our first stop of the day,
Denver International Airport, where we were to pick up our
amigo, Chris Parker, a fellow train rider. He was able to get a
week off from work and the three amigos will travel to WY, SD,
NE and then back to Denver to then pick up the forth amigo,
Elizabeth A. also an enthusiastic train rider. Together we will
all ride a few of the narrow gauge railroads in Colorado
including Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.
As we still had time before Chris P arrived
from LA, we stopped and watched the light rail between Union
Station and International Airport.
After watching
busy traffic on the Airport rail line, soon it was time to head
to the airport and pick-up Chris P. flying in from Los Angeles.
Denver International Airport.
Airport greeter.
The Westin Denver International Airport.
After picking up Chris P and
his bags, we headed for I-25 North via E-470 (toll). Our next
stop would be in Cheyenne, WY. for the Big Boy 4004 at Holiday
Park.
After the "Big Boy," we
stopped for lunch and then drove west through Cheyenne going
past the UP station and the capital building on our way out of
town.
Continuing north on I-25 through eastern Wyoming.
A little after two hours of
leaving the capital city, we entered the town of Douglas, WY.
Known as Tent Town at its founding in 1886,
Douglas served as a supply post for cattlemen and a distribution
point for railroad consignments. The town's history is typical
of the colorful, brawling days when cavalrymen, cowboys and
railroad crews were opening the West, but in contrast to many
other towns, few killings were recorded.
Douglas also is said to be the original home
of the "jackalope," a fanciful creation of Wyoming's
taxidermists. Doubters are confronted with dozens of convincing
mounted specimens of the animal - best described as a jackrabbit
sporting antlers - displayed throughout the state. A 10 foot
replica of the "hybrid" stands downtown in Centennial Jackalope
Square and at the Douglas Area Chamber of Commerce, which is
housed in a historic train depot.
Douglas Railroad Interpretive Center.
The Jackalope is perhaps the rarest animal in North America.
Inside Day Coach - # 1886.
Thirty-six seats could accommodate up to about 72 passengers.
A bed in sleeping car - GN #1182.
Skillful how the toilet is stored.
The dining area occupies
one-half of the interior, and could accommodate up to 48
passengers. Furnishings through were made to harmonize with the
pastel finish of the walls and ceiling. Booths with bench
seating at each end of the space are separated from the central
tabled area by means of thick glass partitions. Interior
lighting ran the length of the dining area, in tubular fixtures
along the upper edge of the side walls. A tiny bar occupied the
center of the car. Background music issued from a grid of
ceiling-mounted loudspeakers, via a 17-station hi-fi system.
The stainless-steel kitchen
occupied the other half of the car; it included oversized ovens
and stoves, refrigeration compartments, automatic dishwashers,
prep tables, hot tables, and three sinks. It was staffed with
two entree cooks and a pastry chef, in addition to one "cook"
charged with dish and pot washing. Menus were extensive for all
three daily meals.
Chris P. leaving the Douglas Railroad Interpretive Center.
After leaving the center, we went across the street to a
restaurant inside a depot.
We had a nice meal while relaxing and chatting in the cool room.
After our meal we walked to the building next door, an old freight
house.
From here it was a short drive the motel, Super 8.
Thanks for reading.
Text and Photos by Author
The
author retains all rights. No reproductions are
allowed without the author's consent.
