Re: You're kidding ... right?

Gosh, too bad about being in Chicago. I looked up from the computer screen to look out the window at the SN right of way in front of our building and realized that I'm in the right place after all these years. I still don't understand what the deal is on the SN land problem with the Cole Ranch folks and San Juan County, and I'm chairman of the planning commission. We secured an easement through this subdivision as a condition of approval and I just hope the county doesn't screw that up. It is of record on the recorded plat and it was done primariy to secure the right to rebuild the SN at some point.

We will have some problems getting through the town on the old alignment as several residents along that street are now raising concerns about operating trains running down their street. It could be a problem. One thought is to use that as a connecting track and operate from the power house site to Howardsville/Eureka to avoid street running. Heritage tourism will play an increasingly important economic resource for small towns like Silverton and the SN project would be vital, as well as an opportunity to indulge ourselves. Rebuilding to Animas Forks is definitely not a consideration unless some Shays appeared on the scene. The Green Montain branch is relatively short and no place to turn around at the upper end.

As an aside, we regularly commute over Ophir pass for work in Telluride and Rico, and that includes hauling loads of tools and equipment. After a few hundred trips, it's old hat, but still an incredible drive. And my first trip over Ophir was 52 years ago.

Fritz