We left Albuquerque in the morning and headed off to Alamosa. Along the way we stopped at a Mormon Battalion Monument just before Santa Fe. It's always amazing to me to think of those men trekking across the West living on the land and paving the way for us. I think about the families they left behind to do what they were asked to do. It always overwhelms me. They amaze me. I know...I'm a bit much, but it's true. I think about it all the time when we are traveling.
Stopped in Santa Fe to see the capitol.
We arrived in Alamosa around 2:30 or 3:00. Jessie came to the hotel after she got off of work and we followed her to her ranch. It was fun to see. Not many cows because they were gone to New Mexico for the summer, but she was able to show us around. Lynn was away at a wedding for the night.
Their cat (in the window) Murikoo (spelling ?) and their new puppy, Joey.
The next morning (Saturday) we met Jessie and Lynn in the parking lot of our hotel and headed over to the train. Jessie works on a scenic train and got us free tickets!
It pays to have an in. We got to go in the engine car before it was time to leave.
And then it was time to leave...
We even got comped drinks! Devin chose hot chocolate. I think it was because of the hot chocolate scene/song from The Polar Express.
The front of the train had an open air car that was fun to ride on for part of it.
The end of the line, before it turns around to go back to Alamosa, is a small town called La Veta. We got ice cream, walked around the block to see the homes and then hung out at the park by the train until it was time to board again.
Sandi relived her childhood and got on the merry go round.
On the way back to Alamosa the train made an unexpected stop. Come to find out a tree had fallen on the tracks. The guys in our party, along with a couple of the workers, got off to move it.
Rolling back into town.
We stopped to get some dinner and brought it back to Jessie and Lynn's. There was a bee's nest by the front door and Justin got stung! Aunt Sandi to the rescue! She made a paste of baking soda and then we iced it and he was good. :)
Of course, it rained when we wanted to try some riding. I had been saying all along that this was my fear because we were looking so forward to it. It was the first time the kids have ever been on a horse. Poor Freckles was spooked by the thunder and rain. Lynn was amazing and stayed outside with her hoping the rain would subside long enough to give the kids a small ride. It did end up clearing up enough to get a little ride in. Not much, but better than nothing. They were THRILLED!
They were pretty proud of themselves being able to ride a horse.
They each got 2 or 3 turns and I even took a turn! However, I am ashamed to say I couldn't get on the horse! My legs are too weak! Sweet Lynn led the horse over to the tracker for me to get up on and then get on. Wow, I'm bad!
Love Jessie's newest cat, April! Such a love!
Leaving the ranch we got to see this amazing sunset.
It was great to see Jessie and her new life. Her house is really cute. We are so appreciative to her for getting that train ride for us and letting us ride a horse! We had a great time there!
