Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Today Larry G is riding Goose 5, helping out as part of the crew, as the oiler. Geese go out first, then 463's train, all 3 will take siding at Lobato let 216 pass, then everyone follows up the hill to Cumbres.

May get a few going uphill, not expecting much today. Heading for the grade, with #7 ahead.

216 has now passed, those photos will be added tonight.

Which mean they will have to back out of the siding. Also wonder if that is Don Beyers in the photo standing next to 5?

What a trip for Larry G. !!!! Bet he'll remember this one for a long time! But his engineer gloves look like they need more soot!

I agree, Farol. I think someone needs to go to Fireman and Engineer school. Maybe you can write a recommendation for him.

I feel sad that Larry's latest trip to see friends, places, and things that are dear to his heart is coming to an end, but I'm pretty sure he'll be back. Larry is a man who has several passions, and he is not the type to give up on his passions. The Spring 2016 issue of the Dispatch has an article written by him that yields some clues about why that railroad is dear to him.

I have never been to New Mexico or Colorado, but I want to see that railroad some day. I live in the NYC area, so if I head out there starting with I-80, I will pass by Larry's state on my way, and it would be an honor to pick up a dear friend, guide, enthusiast, historian, and trip photographer on my way there. If I can drive him to school there, that would be even more special.

I thank Larry G. for being a photojournalist while having fun for the last 10 days, and I thank Larry S. and Jason Rose and all the Friends, volunteers, and employees who keep hope and fun and history and crafts alive out there.

This has been a really enjoyable 10 days for me, and I wasn't even there. Thank goodness people like Sharon and Larry G and Roger and others give us boots in the ground and eyes in the sky to add to what we get to see on the cams.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff, I know that the C&TS has now entered into the passion state after the last 2 years and this year working with the Friends. Will be back next year to do it all again.

With any kind of luck, about this same time next year Larry and I are talking about being out there together, should be one heck of a time! Would love to meet anyone out there that can make it for sure!!! We'll solidify dates after next years schedules come out, but I for one am really going to try and be there!!!

For now -- some more shots from yesterday -- and we may get some pics of the loading of Goose 5 today.

Note the Mechanic on the conductors report!

Some more from yesterday -- likely many more to come in days and weeks following.

A few more.

Goose 5 will be put on it's truck today (Monday) and head for home, Goose 7 I'm sure will follow soon. The yard will be quieter now for a few days.

This has been an amazing 10 days, I've fully enjoyed following the adventures of Mr. Gibson, and helping him share the experience. I guess, in fact, this wasn't the final day -- so the adventure will continue, though not at the pace it has.

Larry G will be responding later after he helps get the Goose 5 loaded. Thanks again to all for the comments, and input, it's very appreciated.