Re: How I caught the bug!!!!!!!!

I spent the first chunk of my life in San Luis Obispo CA. Dad took us to the yards often to see the helpers (diesel) switch for the runs to Questa Pass. The steam bug hit in '77 when we got to ride the Freedom Train on its way back to Portland. We rode from Guadalupe to SLO, then the next morning we chased it up the pass. 1981 we took the trip to Durango and then to Chama. We rode the Silverton one day. Then rode the C&TS from Chama to Osier and back. Then rode the Antonito to Osier and back. The New Mexico Express and the Colorado Limited as they were called back then. Dad always managed to find consulting work in the area, so we returned often. Some days I would walk to the yards alone and wander around for hours and look at the rolling stock and locomotives. Dad bought all kinds of videos and I got a couple of books with lots of pictures and I was hooked forever. I spent one summer working as a yard tour guide in Durango. Forever no one was allowed to walk through the yards, but the summer of '91, I was paid to walk through the yards 4-5 times a day, answer questions, and ride the train for free whenever I wanted. Life was good. Plus I had an inside track on all the gossip. I was able to see the Nomad in the car shop after it tipped at Home Ranch siding. Also watch the rumors become reality with the 497/482 trade. I got to work with Amos Cordova, who could be a crotchity old fart sometimes, but he was a good guy. Now I try my hardest to make a trip whenever I can, but I am still in school so I am still quite poor.