Off to Denver

[UP4014]

Decided a short trip to Denver was in order and am writing this sitting in the Admirals lounge in the eagles nest at LAX. Lounge is small but functional.

Flew over QF and had very good service and a nice seat.



Checked in to a hotel for the day for a quick snooze at the H hotel, a one block walk.

Back to the airport and this shot of the bus ride to gate 50, we had to wait for several planes to pass before heading out.

 

[UP4014]

Spending the night in Denver and being up at 0 dark 30, off to Denver Union Station for a train ride into the Rockies to Winter Park Resort.

Where the train pulls into the Resort right at the chairlifts and gondola.

 

[prozac]

Just for a train ride?
Does look super.

 

[UP4014]

Just for a train ride?
Does look super.

Yes just for the train ride. The Conductor who is a friend is retiring so went on his last run.

 

[Quickstatus]

Winter Park Resort.

Thanks @BAM1748
One of my favourite Ski destinations in the US as its non Vail owned

One of the few places you can live downtown (Denver) and train to WP on weekends for a ski day

Though I have not done the Winter Park Express Train or California Zephyr which also stops there. What did you think of Moffat Tunnel. How narrow is narrow?

 

[UP4014]

Up close to Moffat Tunnel, I think it’s 6 miles long and peaks in the centre, so it’s upgrade bother directions. The east portal has a door inside that opens 5 mins prior to the train arriving at the portal, one train every 20mins to allow the fumes to clear.

 

[Quickstatus]

Were the tunnel rails clickety clack?. I seem to remember they were supposed to be continuous welded rail

 

[UP4014]

Were the tunnel rails clickety clack?. I seem to remember they were supposed to be continuous welded rail

All continuous welded rail these days. Though on the grade still jointed in places.

 

[UP4014]

Back now and have some photos downloaded.

Just for a train ride?
Does look super.

Yes, the main reason for the trip was to ride the last Winter Park Express from Denver, up and back in a day and to celebrate Conductor Brad's retirement from the train which he helped instigate. PBS was there to document the last day.

Conductor Brad’s last ride | Rocky Mountain PBS

The end of the Winter Park Express’ 2024 season coincided with the retirement of Brad Swartzwelter, the man most-credited with reviving the historic train route.

www.rmpbs.org

 

[prozac]

Back now and have some photos downloaded.




Yes, the main reason for the trip was to ride the last Winter Park Express from Denver, up and back in a day and to celebrate Conductor Brad's retirement from the train which he helped instigate. PBS was there to document the last day.

Conductor Brad’s last ride | Rocky Mountain PBS

The end of the Winter Park Express’ 2024 season coincided with the retirement of Brad Swartzwelter, the man most-credited with reviving the historic train route.

www.rmpbs.org

Looks a fabulous day trip. Pity it is finished, or is that only for the season?

 

[UP4014]

Looks a fabulous day trip. Pity it is finished, or is that only for the season?

Only for the season, back again end of the year.

The railfans were out....

https://flic.kr/p/2pLhdG3

 

[UP4014]

Couple more shots of flying west to east.

https://flic.kr/p/2pJKWRk

https://flic.kr/p/2pJMceo

https://flic.kr/p/2pJJPxC

 

[UP4014]

Spent a night up in Cheyenne and paid visit to the Union Pacific steam shop to see the latest happenings.

Me (in green) getting instruction on where not stand and how the blades flip over depending on which way the rotor is turning.

https://flic.kr/p/2pK1cKj

https://flic.kr/p/2pK82ed

https://flic.kr/p/2pK1c8H

https://flic.kr/p/2pK5Ei5

 

[UP4014]

While in Cheyenne I recommend a visit to the Accomplice Brewery at the Depot which also has a museum.

Self serve, you grab a glass from the end and pour yourself a beer.

https://flic.kr/p/2pK84d3

 

[UP4014]

Went out on to the high plains around Cheyenne and out to Hermosa Tunnel and Laramie.

https://flic.kr/p/2pLaZFD

https://flic.kr/p/2pLb33h

https://flic.kr/p/2pLguEr

 

[drron]

Really like that last photo.

 

[UP4014]

For road transport used this F unit, which of course was most comfortable when off road and on. (it was a friends)

https://flic.kr/p/2pK17dx

https://flic.kr/p/2pK7pqU

 

[prozac]

For road transport used this F unit, which of course was most comfortable when off road and on. (it was friends)

https://flic.kr/p/2pK17dx

https://flic.kr/p/2pK7pqU

Looks like the local Ford dealer does good trade.

 

[UP4014]

Looks like the local Ford dealer does good trade.

I haven't checked, but I think they are the top selling vehicle over there and have been for years.

 

[UP4014]

Really like that last photo.

Plane spotters prefer a full sun, 3/4 angle crispy clear shot, railfans go for the glint shot at dawn or sunset, I prefer sunset myself it's a move civilised time.

https://flic.kr/p/RP5ZfX