Re: George's question re Curmudgeons in Chama

Hi, George -

He who originally declared us to be 'Five Old Farts' lives in Chama; Roger Hogan and his
lovely, long-suffering wife Barbara own THE (Shamrock) HOTEL & Shops, directly across
the street from the depot.

John West, Scott Turner and I were all there in 2008 for one or another of the #315 trips, and I was lucky enough to be able to return again for all three #315 excursions in 2009; Ernie was there for the September 27th trip.   IIRC, Tom Gildersleeve hasn't been to Chama for quite a while, but he did author a superb article on the last run of a cab-forward over Donner Pass for the Fall 2007 issue of Classic Trains.   John Craft has been disqualified as a curmudgeon due to excessive youth; neither Earl nor Sam is cantankerous enough - although Earl does correct my frequent memory lapses mercilessly - so Roger may be accepting nominations for the open position of Seventh Curmudgeon ...

If I get my wish and #489 gets to re-enact her green-jacketed Rocky Club trips of 1950 then I'll be there for the opening weekend this coming May. I'm also planning to be in Chama for the C&TS 40th Anniversary Celebration in late August - if I don't stay there all summer. OTOH, if I DO stay in Chama all summer I'll volunteer as a guide for the brush removal gang (see [ngdiscussion.net]), and as a yard-tour docent and/or location scout for visiting photographers.

- Russo



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2010 12:48PM by Russo Loco.