Alpine Tunnel

I had an awesome trip to Buena Vista to ride the old Denver and South Park Railroad grade up to the Alpine Tunnel. The tracks have been removed and the tunnel has collapsed, but some of the ties are still there as well as other remnants of the old narrow gauge. Dave came over from P-towne; we camped out on Cottonwood Pass and then drove up to the start of the ride near the ghost town of St. Elmo. The ride is mostly double track under massive 14,000 ft. peaks and scarp ridges. The rail grade provides a gentle but steady climb. One weird thing about riding rail grade up to a pass is that there are very few flat spots....it's not particularly difficult climbing but it keeps going without a break. The trip felt like a mini vacation; being above 10,000 feet seems to eliminate stress. Soaking at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs helps too.