Re: Ernie Robart hospitalized

Like many, I'm stunned by the news of Ernie's passing. I first connected with Ernie in 1966 when we were researching the logging railroads of New Mexico's Sacramento mountains ( that connected to Southern Pacific's Cloudcroft branch). Ernie was a sophomore at the University of New Mexico then, and he had access to Forest Service aerial photos. He helped to expand and refine some of the mapping of the abandoned grades. He always was outstanding at mapping historic railroads. Interest in the logging lines soon morphed into joint adventures on the narrow gauge. I remember one memorable excursion. Ernie, Jeff Stebbins and I were driving back to Albuquerque after a very late chase. Jeff had exams the next morning so he was sleeping in the back seat while Ernie and I were taking turns driving in the dark. We both had a tough time staying awake to the point where we were finally changing drivers every 10 miles, but we did make it back on time.
There are many more Ernie stories to relate one day. He surely will be missed. Especially I would like to express my condolences to Lourdes.