Through the Rockies.

 

We had been looking forward to today for a long time. The new Premier League season finally kicked off. Our train didn't arrive until nearly 10:00 even though it was due at 7:30 so with the 7 hour time difference we were getting the results whilst in Denver Station. Two days until Burnley kick off. 

Our day started with a 5:30 alarm. I was off to Safeway at 6:00 to get a repeat of yesterday's breakfast and another massive sandwich for lunch. Unfortunately it was a much less helpful assistant in the early shift and so no potatoes or ranch sauce on the breakfast. 

Anyway it was purchased in time to allow us to take it with us on the 7:00 bus to the station. 

The late train gave us time to phone relatives and soon enough the guard was helping back the train into the station. 

Denver station is brand new. 

 Yet it only has two trains a day!

We had an allocated upstairs carriage and managed to get good window seats for the ascent to 9500 feet. There were many wonderful photograph opportunities, a selection follow. 

This was called a canal on the map. That must have been a long time ago. 

These wagons are permanently here to be a wind break for the trains. 

At the top there is a six mile long tunnel. The air pressure was again trying to make our chips explode. 

Then more views on the way down after a brief smoke stop at Fraser. 

We are now on the last section of the journey heading into Grand Junction, our base for tonight. 

The views have been exceptional today. We are again amazed at the attitude of some of our party who spent the entire time reading/sleeping/clipping nails! Somewhat freaky behaviour, but we've enjoyed the trip. 

It's a steam railway tomorrow :-).