We have had a great week in Colorado though there is horrendous flooding in the Denver-Boulder area as I write this. Our week began with a couple of days in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The Park is in the south part of the state. It boasts of the highest dunes in North America... High Dunes is 700 feet high. With sunrise these dunes make for some spectacular photography as the sun casts its warm rays and shadows across the dunes. On our final morning at the dunes my friend and I were the only humans on the dunes for at least an hour at sunrise.
On Friday we drove about 35 miles south to Antonito, CO to catch a motor coach to the beginning of our 64 mile journey on The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad in Chama, NM. The coal burning steam engine train crosses the Colorado-New Mexico State line 11 times. There are many switchbacks along the way. The train also crosses two trestles. This all is conducive to some great photography. We were in the Luxury Tourist car, but I spent most of the trip photographing from the open car next to our car. This is now our favorite scenic train ride in Colorado. Additionally, the train makes a lunch stop at The Osier station which at over 10,000 feet is the highest elevation on the rail route. Osier is about the halfway point before completing the journey to Antonito. All of the 3 railyards are fun to photograph with their water towers, engine barns and stations. Railroads also offer great HDR and black and white photo opportunities.
On our continuing trip north to Breckenridge we drove the dirt road to the St. Elmo Ghost Town which continues to be my favorite ghost town to photograph. Somebody warned us that ATV recreational adventurers had taken over this area. I confirm that this has happened and this is disappointing. We saw many ATVs parked and buzzing around this picturesque area. Our travel was on Saturday so I can hope that this is only a weekend event. I was patient though and I was able to get some shots without distractions. Most of these old buildings are privately owned and these folks have done a fabulous job of keeping this ghost town authentic. More power to them.
Photos and more later.
