Ok, Little Advice He..... Oh YEAH! I am SO Going. Anyone Else?(Caboose Hobbies, CO)

[canazar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jeffers_mz

I don't want to rain on the parade, it was pretty clear from the beginning what you wanted to do, and I'd find my way to the store no matter what but...

Durango to Denver isn't just any old 300 mile drive, no matter which way you go. The shortest routes are almost all two lane through some pretty rough country. You're going to be DRIVING it, in an RV, fighting traffic, tight curves, fallen rock, passes up 10...12...13 thousand feet, rain, grauple, even blinding snowstorms are possible up high, along with all the bad results that go with such weather on narrow, crowded, two lane rugged mountain roads. On your way down off Red Mountain Pass into Ouray, should you decide to go that way, you probably won't believe such a road exists or is paved, or is legal to drive on. That's in a short wheelbase 4WD. In an RV? LOL, you're going to be busier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

I know folks who've made it from Ouray to Denver in 6.5 hours and I wouldn't even think about trying to beat them, because they are nuts and just don't care.

So, my advice then is to plan this as if it were 600 miles, one way, not 300. I'd categorically refuse to even consider a round trip in one day. Even a two day roundtrip is going to take something out of you. In a perfect world, a day to drive up there, at least a day to rest and enjoy the store, and a third day to drive back is probably the minimum time I'd invest in a trip like that. Further, I'd have my head examined before attempting such a trip that caused me to drive into Denver on a Sunday, or had me leaving Denver on a Friday, or had me crossing Kenosha pass on either day.

Like I said, I'm not looking to change your mind, just to let you know what you're in for, so you can plan around it and enjoy your trip. What I said above were my minimum recommednations, but there's so much to do around there, and so much to do in between point A and B, you might even be happier planning four days to a week around this trip. You've got a lot of flexibility in some very pretty country with that RV, but it can work against you just as easily as it can work for you.

Just my 2 cents...

:-)

Ok, I feel I need to explain this... We will not be leaving form Durango to go to Denver. The plan was, if we decided to go to Denver, (Caboose hobbies) We would drive from Phoenix the first day and go directly there.
Our whole plan all along was to drive into Colorado as far as we could (northeast in direction), and then slowly make our way southwest acorss the state back into Arizona via through Durango, over the course of a week.. The idea being, we never really have a long drive home. We just keep hitting RV parks couple of hundred mles closer to home, so that on our last day, we are pretty close, and hopefulyl make for a short drive home.

Originally, we never planned on going that far northeast, hence, just the "extra drive to Denver in traffic." But, after we talked, she wanted to see the city, and I am hell bent for the hoby shop. We're going! But this is where the extra 300 miles came into play as in the very original plan, we woudl have stopped in Colorado Springs and hung a hard left to head into the mountains As it is now, we will be taking I-40 out of AZ into NM, then take 25 straight up into CO.

Man, I cant wait. I am scrapeing every peice fo change I can find to add to my shopping spree up there. I am taking your advice, it will be the closet thing I will ever have to walikng into the Walthers Catelog.

*Take as much money as I can :: Cause I know I will never have enough[:D]
*Eat before I go... :: So I dont have to leave when I get in[;)]
*Were sneakers :: "Cause I will be running around like a man possed[:p]

[stokesda]

John,

I just had another thought... If you're planning an excursion into Colorado "as far as you can go," you might want to consider going a little bit further north to the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It's probably an hour and a half or so from Denver in an SUV... not sure how long it will take in an RV [:)]

Just another [2c]

Also, like others have mentioned, some of the "back roads" through the mountain passes directly between Durango and Denver are pretty treacherous, so be sure and do your homework before you just head out on any old route. Use www.mapquest.com if you need to figure mileage & travel time. Sounds like you're planning to stay on the interstates and play it safe... that's a good call.

[MidlandPacific]

The area you're going through has a lot of interesting railroad sites and relics - aside from the sites people have already mentioned, you might think about Marshall Pass near Salida (D&RGW), Hagerman Pass near Leadville (CM), Alpine Pass near Gunnison (DSP&P) and Rollins Pass near Denver (D&SL). All are worth a visit, and all are extremely scenic. You should let the guys on this forum know your planned route - they can probably give you quite a few suggested stops on the way.

For my money, if you're heading through C-Springs, you might want to stop for dinner at the old railroad station downtown (there's a Grande T-12 on display, too), visit the old stone Colorado Midland roundhouse in West Springs, and, if you have access to a small car, take a trip up the Gold Camp Road - it's blocked part of the way up, but it's the old Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railway - "the ride that bankrupt the English language."

[stokesda]

Ooh, ooh! One more! (sorry, these things keep popping into my head) [:p]

If you can fit it into your route and itinerary, I highly recommend driving through Glenwood Canyon on I-70 (just east of Glenwood Springs). It parallels the Colorado River on one side, with the UP (former D&RGW) mainline on the other. If you're lucky, you'll catch a train passing through the canyon at the same time! Might want to have the wife drive this stretch while you gawk and take pictures! It's one of my all-time favorite stretches of highway. According to a lady we met in Glenwood Springs, it is the second most expensive road project in US history (Boston's "Big Dig" being first).

[GAPPLEG]

QUOTE: Originally posted by stokesda

Ooh, ooh! One more! (sorry, these things keep popping into my head) [:p]

If you can fit it into your route and itinerary, I highly recommend driving through Glenwood Canyon on I-70 (just east of Glenwood Springs). It parallels the Colorado River on one side, with the UP (former D&RGW) mainline on the other. If you're lucky, you'll catch a train passing through the canyon at the same time! Might want to have the wife drive this stretch while you gawk and take pictures! It's one of my all-time favorite stretches of highway. According to a lady we met in Glenwood Springs, it is the second most expensive road project in US history (Boston's "Big Dig" being first).

Yes, used to go that way when I went to Vegas, absolutely fabulous drive along that canyon, part of the highway I-70 actually is hanging cantilevered from the canyon wall, what a view.

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rripperger

The area you're going through has a lot of interesting railroad sites and relics - aside from the sites people have already mentioned, you might think about Marshall Pass near Salida (D&RGW), Hagerman Pass near Leadville (CM), Alpine Pass near Gunnison (DSP&P) and Rollins Pass near Denver (D&SL). All are worth a visit, and all are extremely scenic. You should let the guys on this forum know your planned route - they can probably give you quite a few suggested stops on the way.

For my money, if you're heading through C-Springs, you might want to stop for dinner at the old railroad station downtown (there's a Grande T-12 on display, too), visit the old stone Colorado Midland roundhouse in West Springs, and, if you have access to a small car, take a trip up the Gold Camp Road - it's blocked part of the way up, but it's the old Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railway - "the ride that bankrupt the English language."

rripperger, did you used to live in Colorado Springs?

The roundhouse is really neat. The story that I hear is that the turntable is under the parking lot. It was cheaper for them to just bury it instead of removing it. It is just west of the Springs on hwy 24 near Old Colorado City. I am going to hike the old Colorado Midland ROW through Ute Pass this weekend. I am excited about taking the hike through the tunnels. I haven't done any of the Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek hikes yet, but that is next on my to do list. I love living in Colorado, especially the Springs. There is a lot of great railroading history around.

[Texas Zepher]

There is an unlimited supply of vacation stuff in Denver and between Denver and Durango too....Depending on the route - The Great Sand Dunes, The Cumbers and Toltec Railroad, Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Canyon(mentioned by others), The Leadville Railroad, The Royal Gorge, The Floresent Fossil beds (right near the grade of the old Colorado Midland which can be followed from Aspen to Leadville in a 4x4), Leadville proper, the old roundhouse in Como (which in turn is in South Park), etc. etc. etc. If you are interested in Geology there is much more. Then add all the normal "mountain" activities......

Another thing. I see many of these posts are talking about Caboose Hobbies as it was in earlier days (like 2002). They have changed management philosophy a couple times (and lost a really good manager in the process) - at least the slot cars are now gone. Don't get me wrong it is still great, but they don't stock nearly as much stuff as they used to.

They do have many in-store example layouts. It will take about 30 minutes just to look at these and notice all the detail they have. My spouse and children love them.

Finally, let me know when you will be here and perhaps I can get you some private tours of the local layouts - and if nothing else our club layout.

[canazar]

Wow, thanks for all thew tips guys. Unfortunalty though... I really cant push it for too much trainstuff. Techincaly, this trip is our "honeymoon" trip and I know I can get away with only so much. She really does put up with so much of my "hobby' and is very supportive. But I know if I start draggin her around to all these places, I will eventually get "The Eye".... I am sure most of you know that look. [;)]

I got my day at Caboose Hobbies... maybe stretch to other"stop", but that would be about it. Which is fine, I will have my tool box and bunch of train kits ot keep my busy. I am dragging along my DCC system so can set some track up in the overhead cab, no kid this time, and run some trains. My wife thinks I am nuts.. but she couldnt give me reason not too....... I will make sure to post pics of that set up HA ha

Texas,
Thank you for the offer and it sucks we wont have more time 'cause that would be something I would just love to do. Geting some tours.... Man, that would be just too cool.
Well, just for grins, is there any place close to the club layout that we could park the RV for a nite? that night in town we will need a place to crash..... I guess I am thinking off the hip...[:)]

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: rripperger, did you used to live in Colorado Springs?

No - I used to visit it fairly frequently for a previous job, and I always made a point of taking some time off when I was in the area.

[jeffers_mz]

QUOTE: Originally posted by canazar


Ok, I feel I need to explain this... We will not be leaving form Durango to go to Denver. The plan was, if we decided to go to Denver, (Caboose hobbies) We would drive from Phoenix the first day and go directly there.
Our whole plan all along was to drive into Colorado as far as we could (northeast in direction), and then slowly make our way southwest acorss the state back into Arizona via through Durango, over the course of a week.. The idea being, we never really have a long drive home. We just keep hitting RV parks couple of hundred mles closer to home, so that on our last day, we are pretty close, and hopefulyl make for a short drive home.

Originally, we never planned on going that far northeast, hence, just the "extra drive to Denver in traffic." But, after we talked, she wanted to see the city, and I am hell bent for the hoby shop. We're going! But this is where the extra 300 miles came into play as in the very original plan, we woudl have stopped in Colorado Springs and hung a hard left to head into the mountains As it is now, we will be taking I-40 out of AZ into NM, then take 25 straight up into CO.

Man, I cant wait. I am scrapeing every peice fo change I can find to add to my shopping spree up there. I am taking your advice, it will be the closet thing I will ever have to walikng into the Walthers Catelog.

*Take as much money as I can :: Cause I know I will never have enough[:D]
*Eat before I go... :: So I dont have to leave when I get in[;)]
*Were sneakers :: "Cause I will be running around like a man possed[:p]

That's a pretty good plan. The roads aren't automatically fatal, far from it. But if you are pressed for time, and/or think it's going to be one hand on the wheel, one eye on the DVD player, just a cruise, tensions are liable to mount, for the reasons in my first post.

You're not pressed for time, and you understand that this driving is likely to be a little more involved, so you have the ingredients for a good trip.

Here's some more ingredients.

1. Before sleep loss (read: tension increase), before headaches (tension increase), before Acute Mountain Sickness, before High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, before High Altitude Cerebral Edema, the very first symptom of altitude sickness is irritability. Add irritability to headaches, and loss of sleep, bouncing back and forth between two or more people, and all of a sudden a good trip goes bad. So....no higher than 9k the first day, no more than 2k increase per day after that, drink all the liquids you can hold, avoid alcohol, and remember, you are only irritated because you are oxygen starved.

2. From Denver to Durango, my choices, from favorite to least favored, are:

285 to Buena Vista, on to Salida, 50 to Montrose, 550 to Durango. On this one, Buena Vista or Gunnison are prettier places to overnight than Salida or Montrose. There's a Walmart in Montrose, probably the only one between Denver and Durango. Search "Alpine Tunnel" if you will have time between Buena Vista and Salida. Ouray is the prettiest of them all. Climbing Red Mountain Pass from Ouray is about one tenth as hairy as descending the same route. Coming down the other side is comparative cake. 550 is a very cool road. If I was in charge, I'd spend as much time up around Red Mountain as I did in the hobby shop or Durango, but I like old time railroads and mines full of basketball sized gold nuggets and silver bars lying on the floor and such. (Actually entering any old mine or tunnel, without paying admission, is a very quick way to get killed.) The Bachelor-Syracuse Mine outside Ouray is worth the time and admission. Ride the tram, pan for gold, and say hi to the brunette with the hot French accent teaching gold panning for me. Rumor has it, rules or no rules, it's impolite to stare at nekkid swimmers at the Ouray Hot Springs. Silverton is...well Silverton. In downtown Ouray, 7th Ave, headed west, crosses the Uncopmpahgre, and an immediate right takes you into an RV park, showers $2. Laundry too. Ridgeway reservior campground gets rave reviews. I've seen live deer wandering the Amphitheater Campground just south of Ouray.

25 to Colorado Springs is boring, 115 to Canon City is halfway fun, 50 to Salida, mostly boring except early on, 50 to Gunnison gets an 8 on the 10 scale (possible weather atop Monarch Pass), Gunnison to Montrose to just short of Ouray boring, Ouray to Silverton, 14 on the 10 scale, Silverton to Durango, 8 or 9 on the 10 scale.

I-70 to Grand Junction gets an 8 or 9 on the 10 scale, pretty sure there's an OT railroad still running at Georgetown, but Grand Junction to Ouray is boring. If curvy mountain roads aren't your thing, or if the weather is bad, boring can be good.

If you're into no services camping, National Forests usually offer nice sites for free, first come, first served. You may have to drive on some gravel to get to the sites. Some gravel roads will take an RV, some require a modified hummer. The BLM office in the area of interest will tell you all you want to know.

Lake City is my favorite non ghost town in Colorado, but it's much more enjoyable with a jeep than with an RV. Still it's doable all on pavement, south on 149 from Gunnison, up over Slumgullion Pass past Creede down to 160 then over Wolf creek Pass to Durango. That may set you up for attractions along the Cumbres and Toltek, without the extra mileage going down 25 to Pueblo and over, but check with someone who knows that RR better before deciding. If you're into geology and mining, the Hard Tack mine outside Lake City (on the Engineer Pass Road) is worth the admission, but getting there in an RV is iffy. Tiny's and two other places in Lake City have hookups, two of the three are hard right against the visible cliffline from downtown. Tiny's has showers, $5. From Gunnison to Lake City, I counted 21 mulies last trip, one magnificent buck, three others, 12 does and the rest youngsters. All of the skidmarks you see on that road represent near misses with deer, or worse. Bears get into garbage left out in Lake City, but run when you yell at them. The bakery in Lake City gets rave reviews, as do the cheeseburgers at Mammy's.

If you take a previous poster's advice and head up towards Boulder, search "Moffat Tunnel" before you go.

If you can't already tell, yes, I'm jealous.

:-)

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rripperger

QUOTE: rripperger, did you used to live in Colorado Springs?

No - I used to visit it fairly frequently for a previous job, and I always made a point of taking some time off when I was in the area.

Well, if you are ever back in the area, give me a shout!

I am going to post some pics of the Colorado Midland hike, so keep an eye out. I am a little uneasy about going through the tunnels, but they are hiked regularly (and is legal), so I don't think we will run into any beasties, but just in case.........[;)]

[Ibflattop]

Oh Yesssss. Its a Dream come true! You must go and see the place. I was there back in the Early 90's when my Wife and I was on vacation to Denver and Winter Park. We went into the place and I just passed out. I think we spent like 2-3 hours in the shop just looking and stuff. I took my items up to the register, laid them on the counter, and was asked, " Are you looking for a job?" Looking for a Job? I turned my head over my shoulder and looked at my wife. I said, "We are on vacation from Ft.Wayne Indiana. It would be a long commute everyday to come to work.!"
My wife just rolled her eyes........
So Yes, Do go and visit Caboose Hobbies, Its a good place to go and see.
Kevin

[davekelly]

If this thread isn't one of the best examples of the help and friendliness one sees in this hobby - I don't know what is!

[canazar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

If this thread isn't one of the best examples of the help and friendliness one sees in this hobby - I don't know what is!

Dave, thats the truth. I was just in here showing her how many people responded with ideas and directions, she was very taken back. I am floored. And she siad that she wouldmt mind spending more "train time" that;s what we call it, in Denver. I am goin to try and see what I can do about gettingup and taking TZ's offer on the club layout.

Also, JEFFER's write up, I am just gonna print that up and take it with me. Incredible man. Thank you for all of your efforts, they will be used. Those are some cool notes and directions. Be in touch for sure.

Once we get out of Denver, we really havent figured out what we are going to do. Make our way down every night, or if we find a super nice place. We will just stay there for 4 days. I wont care. I will have a bunch of box cars and and some track. And I will be in the green mountains and it wont be freakin'[:(!] 112


Be in touch everyone for sure. Gonna feel out the wife and see what I can get away with.[}:)]

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: Well, if you are ever back in the area, give me a shout!

I am going to post some pics of the Colorado Midland hike, so keep an eye out. I am a little uneasy about going through the tunnels, but they are hiked regularly (and is legal), so I don't think we will run into any beasties, but just in case.........

I will - incidentally, if you're into all things Midland, have you met Mel McFarland yet? He lives in the Springs and he's written books about both the MT and the CM. Nice guy - posts regularly on the CM Yahoo group.

Can't wait to see those pictures. As soon as my little boy's old enough, I'm going to bring him out there (I took my first trip to CO when I was 6 months). If you're ever in DC, give me a call - I know a few good CSX spots.

My regards to the Zoo.......

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rripperger

QUOTE: Well, if you are ever back in the area, give me a shout!

I am going to post some pics of the Colorado Midland hike, so keep an eye out. I am a little uneasy about going through the tunnels, but they are hiked regularly (and is legal), so I don't think we will run into any beasties, but just in case.........

I will - incidentally, if you're into all things Midland, have you met Mel McFarland yet? He lives in the Springs and he's written books about both the MT and the CM. Nice guy - posts regularly on the CM Yahoo group.

Can't wait to see those pictures. As soon as my little boy's old enough, I'm going to bring him out there (I took my first trip to CO when I was 6 months). If you're ever in DC, give me a call - I know a few good CSX spots.

My regards to the Zoo.......

I haven't met Mr McFarland, but I know a few folks that know him. Colorado railroading is still relatively new to me, but I am really enjoying all the history here.

As far getting to DC goes, my wife may get orders to Andrews so who knows (although that is a ways off yet).

[MidlandPacific]

Well, Andrews is better than Pope (I spent five years climbing on planes there [:)]). You can always come to the Puzzle Palace.

DC's a good spot for railfanning - the Met and the Old Main Line are still active, and there's lots of action out at Point of Rocks, Brunswick, and Harper's Ferry. It ain't Ute Creek Pass, but it's still moving tonnage.

[jeffers_mz]

Canazar, YW, anytime.

112 is unlikely, but 92...wellll....it's been hot so far this year. Plan on a 30 to 40 degree day/night swing and you can't go wrong. Three to four degrees loss per thousand feet elevation gain is a good rule of thumb.

I always decide on a optimum trip plan before going, and have a fully documented backup plan in hand too. Two layers hasn't let me down yet, but no backup sure has.

Once your routes solidify, I know some pretty no service spots that an RV should be able to get into, most freebies, some not. Not all that many, but it may bridge a gap.

One nice pic posted on your return evens out all.

:-)

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rripperger

Well, Andrews is better than Pope (I spent five years climbing on planes there [:)]). You can always come to the Puzzle Palace.

DC's a good spot for railfanning - the Met and the Old Main Line are still active, and there's lots of action out at Point of Rocks, Brunswick, and Harper's Ferry. It ain't Ute Creek Pass, but it's still moving tonnage.

Ahh, good ole' no hope Pope. Fortunately I don't think she would end up in the Pentagon in her AFSC (med admin), although you never know. Apperantly the code 50s (controlled tour) has been stopped here at the Academy, so we may be "stuck" here a lot longer than we figured on. Terrible thing, ain't it.[;)]

[NevinW]

Blue Bell Cafe - great Mexican food across the street from CH. I thought i had died and gone to heaven. - Nevin

[canazar]

Ok, Plans are looking good! Plan on rolling out of Phoenix around 11 am on Saturday. Looking to get into Denver Sunday evening. Man, I cant wait! I have heard WAY too many godo things about this place. Also, the wife loves to read so I plan on stopping by a big book store here in town and letting her go nuts. I should be good for the day!

So, if all goes well, Monday morning, probably aroudn 10 or 11 I will get to CH. If anyone else is there, look for the tall white dude (6'7" cant miss me) guy in a shorts, sandals and a train shirt. Most likely with a dropped jaw around my stomcah and little puddles of drool around my shirt, and most likley, mumbling over and over again something like....."wow" "look at it all", etc.

Anything excting train related on Sunday nights? We will be doing dinner in town somewhere.... Not sure were we are saying yet. Working in that still...
Talk to ya guys soon.

[jxtrrx]

Hey Big John, If the wife likes books, try Tattered Cover book store in Denver... it is to books what Caboose Hobbies is to trains: like three floors of 'em.

[canazar]

Thanks for thew tip Jack,
I will look into that.

[fiatfan]

In exchange for all the advice, we expect lots of pictures when you return! [:D][:D][:D]

Tom

[SOU Fan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by canazar

Ok, Plans are looking good! Plan on rolling out of Phoenix around 11 am on Saturday. Looking to get into Denver Sunday evening. Man, I cant wait! I have heard WAY too many godo things about this place. Also, the wife loves to read so I plan on stopping by a big book store here in town and letting her go nuts. I should be good for the day!

So, if all goes well, Monday morning, probably aroudn 10 or 11 I will get to CH. If anyone else is there, look for the tall white dude (6'7" cant miss me) guy in a shorts, sandals and a train shirt. Most likely with a dropped jaw around my stomcah and little puddles of drool around my shirt, and most likley, mumbling over and over again something like....."wow" "look at it all", etc.

Anything excting train related on Sunday nights? We will be doing dinner in town somewhere.... Not sure were we are saying yet. Working in that still...
Talk to ya guys soon.

How long are you going to be in denver??? If your going to be in denver for a week or so Our club meets on Saturday, and another one I know of meets on thursdays. I'll see if I can convince my parnets to let me go.[:)][:D][8D][;)]


Let me know,
dekruif

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jxtrrx
Hey Big John, If the wife likes books, try Tattered Cover book store in Denver... it is to books what Caboose Hobbies is to trains: like three floors of 'em.

Just a follow up. The Tattered Cover now has three sites and the original Cherry Creek store has moved to a new place on Colfax. I've not been there yet, but they say it is as good or better than the original. The downtown store (on the 16th street mall near Union Station) is good, just not as large as the original. I had no idea they had a store in Highlands Ranch, but I would guess it is not as good a choice as the prior two.

There are bunches of really cool used book stores here too. Read & Black on North Wadsworth (about 80th Street) comes to mind.

[jeffers_mz]

My knowlege of Denver is limited to the freeway system and the REI flagship store, a little south and west of downtown. Everything outsoor related you can think of, and a small cadre (don't ask the rank and file, they don't know) of extremely experienced back country people that can probably tell you everything you need to know about most areas of Colorado's mountains. They hang out around a sort of cabin structure near the base of the free form indoor climbing wall.