posted
I'm thinking about taking a ride next month on the SW Chief from Chicago to La Plata, Mo., and the Depot Inn for a couple of days with some photo equipment.
How exposed to the elements is the vantage point that the inn built for railfans on the BNSF line? Is there a windbreak for frozen shutterbugs to shelter behind?
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Scroll down and you'll come across the photos of the train watching looking point. The only thing I'm not sure of is how you get from the Depot Inn to the lookout point when there's lots of snow on the ground. In reading the report that Chris wrote, it looks like he walked out to it. I'm a California guy, so walking in snow is definitely foreign territory to me. But I would imagine it would be quite a walk, and you'd have wet/frozen feet by the time you got there. During the summer, it's simple to walk out there---but this time of year, I don't know. Normally, the hotel provides free golf carts that you drive from the hotel to the lookout point. But with the road covered in snow, I don't know if they have any plans to keep that road (dirt road) plowed.
At any rate, the Depot Inn is very enjoyable. Everyone is so friendly also. You don't have much in the way of dining choices, but fortunately, the Red Rooster Restaurant located next to the Depot Inn has great breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
The Chris Guenzler Mile Mile Lookout Point is now fully enclosed with a heater. it is about a ten minute walk but with long johns and boots with a good jacket you will be fine. The wind does blow outside so click off pictures and get back inside to the warmth and you will be fine. No Golf carts during the snowy season.
Book your trip for February 23 for the opening of the Exhibition of Amtrak History and the La Plata Event Center. I will be here as most of the Trainweb family so we could all meet you!
Chris
Posts: 711 | From: Santa Ana | Registered: May 2003
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But I would imagine it would be quite a walk, and you'd have wet/frozen feet by the time you got there. During the summer, it's simple to walk out there---but this time of year, I don't know. Normally, the hotel provides free golf carts that you drive from the hotel to the lookout point. But with the road covered in snow, I don't know if they have any plans to keep that road (dirt road) plowed. 
