Cumbres & Toltec ends season

CHAMA, N.M. (AP) — Cumbres & and Toltec Scenic Railroad officials are calling the 2006 season successful, with the train carrying 39,586 passengers; 21.7 percent more than last year.
   The season began May 27 and wrapped up Oct. 15. However, the railroad also will run two Christmas season train rides Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, and officials said that is expected to push ridership for the year to about 40,000.
   The narrow-gauge railroad, which celebrated its125th anniversary this year, was built in 1880 to access the silver mines and forests of the San Juan Mountains. It ran between Alamosa and Silverton through Antonito, Colo., and the
first train arrived in Chama on Dec. 31, 1880, according to the railroad’s Web site.
   Trains now run between Antonito and Chama, winding across the state line 11 times during the 64-mile trip. The train is owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico.
   “Our 125th anniversary, plus a strong marketing effort, improvements on the railroad and special train rides helped make this a great year,” said Tim Tennant, General Manager for the Cumbres & and Toltec.