Seven of us ultimately arrived in Antonito, CO. The group consisted of Mike and Barbara Dale, Keith Watson, Mary Finley, Debbie Thomas, Peggy and Ed Landers. We encountered terrible storms both nights we were on the road. Marilyn and Delee Upchurch were traveling with us but had to turn back at Santa Rosa, NM because Delee was having problems with the higher altitude.
We arrived on Monday and enjoyed the beautiful snow-covered mountain scenery , eating out, etc., while we waited to take the train ride on Wednesday. We also enjoyed watching the beautiful birds that came to eat the seeds we threw out for them. We saw Black-headed and Evening Grosbeaks, Stellar Jays, Pinyon Jays, White-Crowned Sparrows and some others we were not able to identify
Wednesday, all but Peggy boarded the train in Antonito for the 74-mile ride through the mountains. The scenery was spectacular and it snowed on us at least 4 times. The train stopped at Ossier where we all enjoyed a huge buffet meal before continuing the trip. When we arrived in Chama, NM we were transported by coach back to Antonito.
We made a sight-seeing trip to The Great Sand Dunes National Park and, on the way, a side trip to Zapata Falls for more beautiful scenery but a class 6 road. We also went to the Jack Dempsey home and museum in Manassa, CO which was near Antonito. Also near Antonito we drove out to the oldest church in CO for some photos.
We missed those who had planned to be with us but could not for various reasons.
All in all, it was a very good trip.