On Memorial Day we rode the eastbound #4. Leaving Chama the temperature was in the mid 60's by the time we reached the pass at Cumbres the temperature had fallen into the low 50's and patches of snow still clung in the shady places. We traveled through a brief snow storm at Los Pinos Tank and two hours later another snow shower when left Osier after the lunch stop. A light jacket and conversation passengers and Coffee with Baileys in the Parlor Car made the trip comfortable. In a short time the sun was shining and we finished the trip to a warm day in Antonito.
Summer is short and glorious with azure skies and colorful columbine. The sound and smell of coal smoke and steam permeate the air. The beauty and emptiness of the high mountain valleys is punctuated by echos of the locomotive's whistle as it works toward Cumbres. It a season full of life straining to make the most of the few months until the snow comes.
Labor Day was warm with a clear sky. Chama was in the mid 70's and Cumbres a bright 60 degrees in full sun. As we journeyed through The Narrows and just beyond the Aspen were just starting to change Autumn was just a few weeks away. Coming winter was just sensed in the slight bite in the shadows at Cresco as we climbed the 4% to Cumbres.
Autumn in the Rockies is brief and spectacular. Deep green pine forests with yellow and gold Quaking Aspen leaves fluttering against the background of mountain peaks and meadows. The season ends with a brilliant burst of color.
Spring arrives in Chama in March and the yard is busy preparing for another season. Soon enough the season passes by repeating since 1880 yet another annual cycle for the San Juan Extension.
