Some background on Michael's photo

It might interest a few folks how Michael's stunning photo came about. It was not a chance event, and about 28 other folks who were on the charter most likely have similar photographs. Although I was not on the charter, I worked with Michael on the planning. Early-on Michael paid attention to sunrise, sunset and moonrise times at Antonito, and that was a major criteria for picking the dates. To get the moonrise shot (and some sunset shots immediately prior) to fit into the rest of the schedule, he decided it would be best to do it close to Antonito and charter an evening train specifically for the moonrise shot. Careful checking of moonrise angles and maps of the line suggested that Ferguson's provided the right combination of moonrise direction, track direction, and track elevation to frame a shot like this. The C&TS was very responsive in working with us on all that. But even with the best of planning Mother Nature has the last word, and fortunately it was a clear night with only a few clouds on the horizon.

JBWX