Train Conductor and Boilerman

Conductor and Boilerman Watch Backpackers Unload at Needleton Trailhead

The train ride was a fun experience.  One of the things that impressed me was the personnel operating the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge (D&SNG).  These guys were the “real deal”.  One often finds new technology underneath the covers and behind the facade of today’s replication of the retro.  Not in this case.  This was THE steam engine and train of years gone by, not a replica.

Checkout the Conductor and Boilerman in these images, and tell me they don’t look authentic to the first of the century!  Hats, overalls, gritty faces, callused hands, coal stained denim and skin, broad shoulders, Paul Bunyan-esque boots  …  They were both impressive and professional.  The Conductor handled every backpack personally, loading it into and out of the cargo car.  The Boilerman ensured the engine operated flawlessly, and at the stops he looked over everything closely from rails to cars to the locomotive.  And trust me, we could afford no slip-ups on the ride because the rail bed ran literally on the very edge of 1,000+ ft. cliffs.

I could not help but translate these images into B&W.  The textures and implied time frame would allow no alternative.

This is the point at which we exited the train.  As you can see, there were many backpackers unloading at the Needleton trail head.  The Conductor told us about 60 packs were loaded for this trip, and 50+ the day before.  And as a matter of fact, there is a sign at the trailhead which mentions that 100,000 backpackers enter this trail yearly.  Some take on extensive camping and challenge the (3) 14’ers in the area, while others work their way along a portion of the trail for a day hike.  Jerry, Betsy, and I were simply amazed at how few people we saw during the 5 days we were along the trail and in the basin!  I venture to say we only saw 20 people or so, in spite of the numbers entering the trail each day.

This is where the Vibram soles meet the dirt!  The beginning of 5 days of backpacking and camping with no cell phones, transportation, or contact with anyone except those we would see along the trail.  We are at approximately 8,500 ft., and in about 4.5 miles we’ll be near 11,000 ft.  As for the train …. it would be on it’s way momentarily.  This is Monday, and we have a date to rendezvous with it on Friday at 4pm.

July 25, 2011 began a unique experience.  It was the launch of my first backpacking trip, following many months of planning and preparation.  Destination:  The Chicago Basin in the San Juan Mountains between Durango and Silverton, CO.  5 Days and 4 nights communing with nature.  There would be no cell phone access, no computers, no Starbucks, and no way to stay in touch with Kathy and the girls.  But on the other hand, there would be lots of fresh air, plenty of God’s splendor and beauty, good workouts hiking at 10,000ft.+ with a 50 lb. backpack, and most of all, a brand new adventure in all respects!

The backpacking expedition began early on Monday morning with a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train.  First we had a hearty breakfast at the Durango Denny’s, then I successfully managed the logistics of dropping off Betsy and Jerry with our gear at the station, driving the car to the Hampton for the week’s stay, and catching Durango’s trolley back to the train station.   Oh, BTW I had an adrenaline rush when I realized at breakfast I had misplaced my train ticket.  Luckily it was at the hotel on the nightstand … right where I left it.

The train departed at 9:15am sharp for Silverton, but a little more than two hours into the trip it would drop us and about 50 other backpackers off at Needle Creek (that is to say, in the middle of nowhere!).  The train ride was really cool.  This was a train and railroad from “back in the day,” fueled by coal and steam!

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR, Engine #481

My good friends Jerry McCart and Besty Cagle from the Atlanta area were not only instrumental in helping pull this trip together, but were also to be my trail and camp buddies for the next week.

Jerry and Betsy before boarding the train in Durango

We were also accompanied by Lance, Kara, Louisa, and Paul.  Louisa and Paul are wonderful friends from Vermont that I met on last year’s Yellowstone trip, and they brought along their good friends Lance and Kara.

L to R: Lance & Kara Parker, Paul & Louisa Larson, Jerry McCart & Betsy Cagle

Car 22, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR

Yours Truly on the Train

I’ve been wanting to resume my blog for quite sometime, but I haven’t been able to find time or make it a priority.  This trip is my catalyst!   It was a fantastic experience, so stay tuned for more info and images.