South Fork to Creede

Hosted by: Doug Davlin

Project Foremen:  Jon Keeling  &  Jerry Geiger

The work:  

            1. Place rail, ties, ballast and make miscellaneous repairs necessary to close gaps in the line between South Fork and Creede.

            2. Clear brush, willows and other matter from the rails

            3. High Altitude Warning!  We will be operating at an altitude of 8,400 feet ( +/- 400 feet). There will be hard & heavy work  and is not recommended for anyone with medical problems or those physically out of shape. Participants should come prepared accordingly.

The environment:

            1. It may be cold in the mornings and evenings   (in the low 30's)

            2. It may rain ..... but usually not for long

            3. Mosquitos may be out ..... bring repellant.

The dates: May 26 through May 28th. The bulk of the work will take place on the 26th and 27th.  You are welcome to arrive at the Depot on the 25th and stay till the 29th.

The accommodations:

All are invited to camp on the property around the Depot. Let Doug know the dates you will be staying and how many will be in your party even if you will not be camping at the depot. As soon as we get an idea of how many will be there, Doug will send out a list of food items to bring. Pets are welcome as long as they are restrained and do not bother others.  Contact Doug via email at  dwdavlin@comcast.net or by phone before May 21, at 719-632-7967 (Colorado Springs) and after May 23, at 719-685-2766 (Wagon Wheel Gap)  Do not count on my having internet access while at the depot.

Other accommodations are available in South Fork and Cottonwood Cove (719-658-2242)  ... right next to Wagon Wheel Gap. If staying at Cottonwood Cove, let Tom or Mona know you are with the RR work party ...... they may offer you a discount. Make reservations early, as they may be full on this weekend.

Communication:  Cell phones don't seem to work at the depot. They may work in Creede and South Fork.

Cameras:  Please bring cameras to not only document our work, but to show who was there.

SAFETY: Doug only stocks two band-aids at WWG and the closest medical help is miles away so you may want to bring your first-aid kit. Hard boots (steel toes would be better), safety vests, hard hats, and gloves are required on the work parties.

Tools: Most tools are available at the Depot but gasoline powered weed eaters are needed. Bring tools to be used in brush cutting and crossing clearing. Tractors welcome!(PW)  Air compressors needed!(BD) Brush cutter RR platform.(JK)

Liability: This work party is not sponsored by NARCOA, RMD, nor D & RG R H F (Denver & Rio Grande Railway Historical Foundation). Though promoted through and using RMD services, each person is responsible for their own safety. Liability waivers will be required for all participants, their families and guests.

The Directions: I-25 to Walsenberg ....... West on US Hwy. 160 to South Fork and West on CO Hwy. 149 to WWG (14 miles).

Speeders: Speeders are welcome but there is no guarantee you will be able to run them. We’ll see if we can play a bit but this is not an excursion. Some speeders will be needed to haul supplies, tools and work crew.

Omissions & Errors: Have questions? Input? Contact Doug!