Into the Rockies

Day 1

Train was late getting into Denver. We were supposed to leave at 8:05 AM. We got up at 5 in order to be at the station by 7. Then sat for 3 hours waiting. Oh well, got to meet a nice couple from New York State. We exchanged itineraries and experiences. Have met some very nice folks on this trip.

California Zephyr finally arrived around 10 AM and we were on our way by 10:45. Started climbing almost immediately into the mountains. Our route took us to Granby in the area of Rocky Mountain National Park then to the Aspen area and finally to Grand Junction. Words escape me to describe the scenery. Just breathtaking. We kept coming back to the discussion of what determination the folks in wagon trains must have had in order to cross these mountains. Then again, guess Kansas and eastern Colorado are populated by people who looked at those mountains in the distance and said "I don't think so!"

Had lunch in the dining car -- our table companions were a woman and her mother taking their annual trip to California. They had taken this trip through the Rockies previously and enjoyed it so much they decided to continue using the train. A much more civilized way to travel. No one is in a hurry and you can really unwind. They were able to point out some landmarks for us and shared their experiences.

Back to our room for an afternoon of sightseeing. Dinner in the dining car at 6:30 then we moved into the sightseeing car for a continuation of our cribbage tournament. So far it's Jim 4, Priscilla 3. Climbed into our bunks around 10 PM. Priscilla again took the top bunk. Not bad once you get up there!