By Robbi Ross, photos and editing by Mark Wing
Link to Chama Tour Day 2, (Aug. 28, 2015)
Link to Chama Tour Day 3, (Aug. 29, 2015)
In January 2015, Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque club member Bob Ross announced that he would like to do a Chama, New Mexico train tour. Chama is a very scenic town located near the New Mexico/Colorado border, most famous for its historic steam powered narrow-gauge railroad. After the meeting, club members Paul Duncan and Dave Ferro offered to help organize the tour. Paul mentioned that he and his wife Marilyn were very familiar with both summer and winter sports in the Valley from Abiquiu north to Chama. Dave Ferro and and his wife Laura were “Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad”. Bob and Robbi Ross had ten previous excursions with friends on the train and knew it would be a fantastic Model T tour destination.
In March Paul, Marilyn, Dave and Robbi drove north to Chama for a scouting trip. In addition to Chama, they visited the surrounding communities of Los Ojos and Tierra Amarilla. A second trip was taken two weeks before the late August tour to confirm that all was ready for us. The town of Chama opened their arms wide and said ”WELCOME”. So everything was ready for our Club’s adventure!
Chama Tour Day 1:
On Thursday (August 27th) we starting arriving in waves at the Elkhorn Lodge in the picturesque town of Chama. The Duncans and Ross’ were the first ones to get settled in. Marilyn and Robbi organized music for the evening’s potluck and dancing and also set up on the front porch of the Elkhorn Lodge to welcome our club members with tour packets. We soon had music playing for all to enjoy. As the women were busy checking people in, the men provided rides to some of the Elkhorn Lodge staff.
We had a great potluck dinner in the evening. Joining us was John Bush, President of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Mr. Bush gave a slide presentation on the history of the railroad and Chama, and also discussed the mission of the railroad and future plans to preserve this unique piece of American history.
Most people turned in early in anticipation of the train ride planned for the following day.
