UP 844 to Walsenburg

In the first chance to see the 844 for the day, we catch her at Folsom, New Mexico, navigating a 180˙ horseshoe curve.

Just before the New Mexico State Line, we catch the 844 about to crest the top of Trinchera Pass.

In Colorado now, the 844 rockets down the hill towards Trinidad.

The Great Plains... Yucca, drought stricken grass, and the 844. Lonely, the 844 steams across the prairie.

For the first time in around 50 years, the town of Trinidad Colorado sees a steam locomotive hot and running under the shadow of Trinidad Peak.

Ludlow Colorado, the the tracks hug the hillsides.

Ludlow Colorado, the the tracks hug the hillsides.

Crossing over what seems to be the original alignment of U.S. Highway 85, the 844 is almost to Walsenburg.

With the Spanish Peaks looming in the background, the 844 rounds one of the final curves into Walsenburg.

With the Spanish Peaks looming in the background, the 844 rounds one of the final curves into Walsenburg. In the foreground, the city's cemetery lies quietly.

Walsneburg.

Waiting at La Veta for a Westbound empty coal train destined for storage in the San Luis Valley, the 18 sits and waits. This was the first time since I've left working the SL&RG that I've seen the 18 hot.

Waiting at La Veta for a Westbound empty coal train destined for storage in the San Luis Valley, the 18 sits and waits. This was the first time since I've left working the SL&RG that I've seen the 18 hot.

Waiting at La Veta for a Westbound empty coal train destined for storage in the San Luis Valley, the 18 sits and waits. This was the first time since I've left working the SL&RG that I've seen the 18 hot.

San Luis and Rio Grande 18 backs out of the La Veta Siding at sunset as Chief Mechanical Officer Steven Butler leans out of the cab to get a better view of the shove move to the rear.

San Luis and Rio Grande 18 backs out of the La Veta Siding at sunset as Chief Mechanical Officer Steven Butler leans out of the cab to get a better view of the shove move to the rear.

Throwing the West siding switch at La Veta.

Throwing the West siding switch at La Veta.

Full Throttle Departure from La Veta, the 18 accelerates Eastward at a clip I've never seen her take off at.

Sunset over the Spanish Peaks. For Editorial Purposes, I can't lie about it, but there's some serious manuiplation to this photo. While there's minor editing to light and color like with any photo, when I originally snapped the photo, My Mini Clubman was just to the left underneath the peak. Not having much time to get the shot we had ran out here to get the photo and left the car in the shot.

Last light of day at the West end of the Walsenburg Yard.

Last light of day at the West end of the Walsenburg Yard as 18 is serviced next to the 844.

Last light of day at the West end of the Walsenburg Yard as 18 is serviced next to the 844.

After dark.

Well, Who are You? Two steam locomotives who you'd never thought you would ever see together, meet in a town that has not seen a steam locomotive in nearly 50 years.