The Hollow Whistle of Iron Horses Part III
...continuation...Picnic tables gleam wetly from a recent rainfall, and lily-like wildflowers bloom abundantly along the trail edge. Steep drop-offs remind you of the 3,352M (11,000-foot) elevation at the tunnel, down to 440 feet in the valley. Iron Horse trail is an ideal trail for kids and adults alike, regardless of fitness level, due to its gradual grade. Twenty-two miles long from the tunnel to Rattlesnake Lake, it's an easy downhill ride from peak to valley.
From the nearest curve, two hikers with long walking sticks trudge up the gradual incline. As they grow closer, one sported a full head of gleaming white hair and bushy, snowy beard. Suspenders held up beige corduroy trousers and a camouflage work shirt completed his mountain man ensemble. His co-hiker is less noticeable, but no less prepared for the hike. (picture). Shortly behind them, five more women and men catch up to join them. Friendly, curious, knowledgeable and helpful, they imparted their wisdom of the trail and its nuances prior to entering the tunnel and being swallowed in its darkness.
Cruising on the gravel path, approximately 4.5 miles down, an aging snow shed still stands, the pungent scent of creosote permeating the air. Thick cables hold the beams in cement slabs against the mountainside. The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific railway built snow sheds at strategic places where avalanches were common.
Designed to protect the track from being blocked by avalanches, an avalanche would flow over the top of the roof of the snow shed, missing the tracks, preventing blockage, or worse, derailment. Looking up the steep mountainside above the snow shed, you can see a wide treeless section of hillside, an avalanche chute, a testimonial to their power and devastation. This part of the track was a prime location for a snow shed. Although there were many snow sheds along the railway, this one is the only one left standing, the others all being demolished in 1997-1998.
Cycling through varied terrain, from thick forests to open meadows, talus slopes (pic) and sheer rock face, the scenery is nothing less than spectacular with unparalleled views. Approximately 11km (7 miles) down the trail (remember, we are in the US), the rush of highway traffic from I-90 competes with the roar of water as Hansen Creek trestle spans the deep chasm. Thick, loose gravel on the trestle makes cycling a bit slow going and unwieldy. Gearing down makes it manageable, although there is plenty of width to dismount and walk across. At the first of the trestles, the noise and height is enough to frighten any confirmed acrophobe. Chain link fencing lines both sides of the trestles, but anyone with a fear of heights understands that fencing of any kind is irrelevant. The scenery across the valley is phenomenal; - looking down is optional.
Numerous hiking trails dissect the old railway line, the Annette Lake trail crossing a mere 6.75km (4.2 miles) from the tunnel and just before the snow shed. As with the rail trail, waterfalls, wildflowers and mountain vistas abound and hidden in their midst, the pristine Annette Lake is surrounded by Humpback Mountain and Silver and Albiel Peaks. Cycling is restricted to the rail trail. The hiking path crosses high above Humpback Creek, its deafening roar is muffled by distance and sheltering trees.
Past Hansen Creek trestle, an old sign announces Bandera with views to the north of Bandera Mountain and Granite Mountain. Low clouds shroud their peaks on this day, lending a mysterious air to the hidden peaks, fingers of mist swirling amongst the trees. The rush of traffic on I-90 is audible as it winds through the mountain pass, periodically visible amongst the dense forest. Burgundy, pale pink and white glacier lilies dot the trails at this elevation in spring, and yellow wood violets bloom haphazardly in mossy areas.
....continued....