POTD - All Is Calm, All Is Bright

 It's late on a snowy evening in December 2007. Union Station is lit up in all her glory, but the lights belie the cold rails and deserted platforms that await any weary traveler looking for warmth or maybe a room at the inn. The station sleeps in early winter slumber, a few years before the redevelopment claims the platforms seen here and subterranean concourse under DUSPA.

Amber hues and blowing snow stretch out in this somber photo
of Denver Union Station the night of December 8, 2007
Photo: Patrick Boury

POTD - Looking Down The Line Toward Christmas

The Polar Express is making runs three times an evening all this week from Durango to "the North Pole." It's approach toward the platform at the Durango station mirrors the approach of Christmas, now just a few days off. Rather than get caught up in the business and hassle of the season, it's my hope that you take a moment to step out on the platform with a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and gaze off down the track at the coming beauty and wonder of Christmas. It may not be convenient, or even on your schedule. Nevertheless, it may be necessary.

The Polar Express makes it's way past the back of the roundhouse on its way to
pick up scores of children and their parents in Durango on a frosty evening
Photo: DHLake

POTD - Winter Snows Roll Freely By Amtrak's California Zephyr

In honor of those who will be travelling this week, I thought I'd see if I could turn up a Photo of the Day or two on the subject of travel.

It was near my birthday that rail photographer Mark Hyams took this terrific shot of Amtrak's California Zephyr rounding the corner at Cliff, Colorado. I know it doesn't look like it, but the train is in the middle of a near 180° turn and,  a few moments after the picture is taken, will pass through tunnel 29, directly beneath the photographer. The remains of Tunnel 28 after it was daylighted are behind the first two sleeper cars at left. All the while, Boulder Creek is swollen with winter snows and it runs freely away from us and down the canyon for the Gulf of Mexico.

Amtrak's California Zephyr pulls through Cliff, Colorado late for it's appointments at
Fraser, Granby and Glenwood Springs at the height of summer, July 11, 2011
Photo: Mark Hyams

POTD - 50 Years Ago, Waiting In A Winter Wonderland

Well, it's been a while since I've posted any Photos of the Day, hasn't it? Too long, I know. Let's get back into it, shall we?


John West is a favorite photographer of mine, and it's not just because he had the good sense to be in Colorado photographing Rio Grande narrow gauge in the 1960s. It's because he didn't have any common sense standing out there in the cold snow waiting for two Rio Grande locomotives to chatter past with a load of Gramps Oil cars headed for Cumbres Pass and the oil fields beyond. Remember, pain is temporary, but film is forever. Thanks, Mr. West!

A double-headed narrow gauge freight headed by K-36 No. 480 puts on a wintry show
as it charges across the San Luis Valley tangent track 50 years ago this month
Photo: John West

Follow Up: State's Sale of Railroad Has Colorado's Citizens Fearing the Future

Following up on last month's post, State's Sale of Railroad Has Colorado's Citizens Fearing the Future, V&S Railway has indeed thrown the switch, taking the Towner Line, a rail route connecting Pueblo with Kansas and the east, one step closer to oblivion by announcing its intention to abandon service and rip up the rails. The Pueblo Chieftain has more with "Owner plans to scrap Towner Line." If Colorado wants to keep the line operational, it has the option. But finding $15 Million, what the Chieftain claims it may take, in a budget already fairly stripped down, may take some serious effort. On the other hand, the alternative may be more costly to the future of Colorado.

Englewood Selling Its Santa Fe Station

Editor's Note: A cold, chronic illness symptoms, and Christmas shopping have had the cumulative effect of blocking at least two major posts and a few POTDs from reaching you this week. I hope to get them out this weekend.

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"Anyone want to buy, renovate and use a historic train depot?" So begins an article from the Englewood Herald.