Farewell to GLRR

Farewell to a friend.
I worked on the GLRR, as well as the Central City Railroad, back in 1979. This was well before the days of the high bridge. I remember standing on the old bridge abutments, gazing across Clear Creek, and imagining rebuilding that bridge. It seemed a wonderful but impossible dream. I remember with vivid clarity when the first official train ran across the bridge and derailed with then Governor Lamm in the engine. I was right behind them and I have never seen out-of-shape cameramen run so fast uphill. Thanks to all who helped make that dream a reality.
I am crestfallen that this day has arrived. The GLRR is an extraordinary example of what someone can do with a dream and the determination to make it happen. The Ashbys and Ropchans basically started from nothing and gave life to their dream. They deserve our respect and well wishes. This is a loss of our heritage. I just can't imagine the #40, #44, or, my old friend, #14 (Shay) running on the line again. Farewell old friend.
I can't bear to look.
John Ryding , Conductor 1979 - Seattle, Washington