from the D&RGRR (D&RGRyHF)
Update on Happenings:
June 18th was the first day of operation of Silver Streak from South Fork to Wagon Wheel Gap. June 21st was the dedication of the South Fork Depot (former Hooper CO D&RGW) which was moved and installed on a new foundation at 0097 Ponderosa Drive & Hwy 149 in South Fork. New Station signs painted by Don Shank's father were unveiled on the building as the final signature of the new installation of this 1883 depot. Don has worked tirelessly since forming the Denver & Rio Grande Railway Historical Foundation 9 years ago, purchasing the Creede Branch in order to preserve it and it's railroad legacy for future generations.
Silver Streak leaves Thursday-Friday-Sat-&-Sun at 10:00 am for the round trip. First Stop is Palisade for Rest Rm and then to Wagon Wheel Gap (Bridge just north of the siding) where direction change occurs.
On the return leg, SS stops at Cottonwood Cove and Blue Creek to drop off riders for Lunch at either of the Restaurants for 1.25 hours. (Car returns west from Blue Creek to Cottonwood) After Lunch, return trip continues from Cottonwood to Blue Creek, Palisade, and South Fork about 2:00 pm. (4 Hours)
On Sat-Sun-Hol an additional trip at 3:00 pm operates using the format above but only stopping at Cottonwood Cove for snacks. Return by 6:00 pm (3 Hours)
Silver Streak in it's first incarnation was a "Spiker" on the CNW, then converted to a Crew Mover. It is a 3 cylinder Diesel Hydraulic drive track car, and streaks along at about 10 mph. The scenery is just great and the speed makes viewing easier from the Open sided car, refurbished by Don Shank over the last couple of years.
Fares as of July 1st: Adult $25. Seniors over 65 $22. and Kids under 12 $15. Season will run until early October. Special trips may operate on Mon-tue-wed when booked by groups, using the 10:00 am format.
SS Seats only 13, so call ahead 719-873-2003 most days 9-5. You'll talk to myself or Bob Shank (Don's Brother) as we act as the Ticket Agents. A beautifully (1883 era) printed brochure is in the printing stage now by Mike Spera.
Photo spots abound all along the line, but please respect private property as posted.
Rail is being removed from the city of Creede as I post this, since city officials did win an Adverse Abandonment of all track in the City with the Surface Transportation Board last fall (2008), after a protracted and expensive 8 year legal battle.
Probably no regular excursions will be scheduled beyond Wagon wheel Gap this season. In the future, we may operate limited trips to the Wasson Wye just outside Creede - (but not close enough to walk) The present operation is sold out several days in advance now.
Connection: There is a physical track connection (property Line) between SLRG and D&RGRR in South Fork, but at this time SLRG is storing cars on their main track between South Fork and Monte Vista. There is no other connection between the two companies.
Ken Coombs
