Once the helper engine and the train had disappeared into the snowy wilderness, we drove back to Chama. Here I was faced with the necessity of doing a reality check. Taking a look at my vanishing finances, I found I had just enough money left for a bus ticket from Chama to Santa Fe or for a bus ticket from Santa Fe to Alamogordo, but not for both. And certainly not for such frivolous expenses as meals. While I was contemplating my choices before purchasing a bus ticket to Santa Fe, Lady Luck came thru big time. Frank drove up and said he was driving to Santa Fe this afternoon to take his 11 x 14 photos to the bank in Santa Fe, and that I could ride with him. I couldn't believe my luck! As I recall Frank even treated me to a cup of coffee and a couple of donuts in Santa Fe! Things really couldn't get any better than this! After thanking Frank for the wonderful experiences that he had made possible, I boarded a TNO (Texas- New Mexico- Oklahoma Stages" bus for Alamogordo where I safely arrived about 10 pm on Saturday evening. A 2-mile walk from the bus station to my parents' home at 2008 Snow Drive - and my first winter time narrow gauge adventure was over - a huge success against all odds.
I met Frank only one more time, on February 29, 1964 when I chased the Chama - Alamosa turn to Tanglefoot Curve with Tom Koglin. I have talked to him on the phone a number of times, several times in recent weeks. He is working on a book about his narrow gauge experiences in 1963 and particularly in the winter months of 1964.
As for winter time narrow gauge adventures in 1964, there were three more wildly different winter adventures on February 15 and 29, and late December that I have posted as separate threads.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/16/2021 06:50PM by Olaf Rasmussen.