Due to the fact that my father introduced me to the Loop at age two, I have had some of the best and most memorable times of my life on the Loop. These experiences range from riding as a child, watching shay #14 cross the Devil's Gate Bridge in the late afternoon sun, riding directly behind #40, and living out my (and my father's) dream to ride in a locomotive cab. I was allowed to blow #40's whistle by a GLRR engineer (even though I wasn't technically supposed to in the Silver Plume yard). I have ridden in the cab of #40 as she pounded upgrade, sitting in the fireman's side window, even getting to work some of the controls, courtousy of the kind Stephen Peck.
I have heard some of the most beautiful mountain whistle echos, harking back to the past, and at times I feel as though I was born in the wrong century. I have found a place that I love, something I absolutely would love to do as a life-long hobby, but also as a life passion that I live for.
To be perfectly honest, this news nearly brings tears to my eyes, as I have nearly always believed, as children do, that the Loop would always exist, and would be there in the future to take my children on, and to continue to take people on a trip back to the past, if only for an hour and ten minutes.
This railroad does not deserve to die now. Although I am extremely saddened at this news, the Fat Lady has not sung her opening number yet. The railroad still does have a chance, if the CHS observes profound public interest and spending this coming season. I do not believe that this is inevitable, but it may happen. If it does, we can only hope for the best. However, in the mean time, go up for a ride on the train, enjoy the scenery and history of the valley, and the splendid locomotives and cars that run over this world-class railroad.
Long live the Loop!-"Colorado's Scenic Wonder"
Shane Schabow, 18 year old GLRR Devotee
