Boreas Pass

Como Colorado was our finale stop, named for Lake Como Italy by the Italian coal miners who settled there. They were the builders and keepers of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad Roundhouse. Having had a Grandfather who was a yardmaster I am a wee bit fascinated by trains. We had just climbed from Breckenridge to the Continental Divide via the old narrow-gauge tracks, called the Highline Route over Boreas Pass.

 We had to explore Como. We drove the dusty streets and looked around ending up at what was once known as the Pacific Hotel and Como Depot. We decided to stop and try the Steamengine Ale; we were expecting dingy, dark, dirty bar filled with locals. We discovered a bright, clean pleasant comfy bar and restaurant. They were anxious to seat us for dinner. We insisted we only wanted the Ale. George was playing some guitar (he was also very talented with a harmonica and a mouth dulcimer) and a few guests were eating. We decided to peruse the menu. It sounded delicious and smelled wonderful. We stayed for dinner. Best food EVER!! I had Roasted pork tenderloin in brown onion gravy, mashed potatoes and fresh zucchini. Soooo tender! I had bread pudding in a brandy cream sauce, glazed pecans, and fresh whipped cream. It was amazing!!!

 The owner took us on a tour of the hotel and explained his plans to further restore the hotel. He told us stories about a bike race he is a sanctioned stop for. Wonderful hosts! There were signs all over Como warning about Moose on the road we never saw one. We did see a beautiful red fox.

Speaking of fox…. Breckenridge was closed up and deserted except for a beautiful red fox that was on a trot-about through town. We drove around and headed up to the Boreas Pass. 

The Highline Route was a graded dirt road that went up and around the side of a mountain, sheer drop on one side, mountain on the other; only skinny Aspens between my door and a drop, one car lane wide. We drove on and on and passed a Cadillac on its way down. As we were about half way up we came across Bakers Tank. 

There were no train tracks and we were puzzled. We kept going up. At the top of the pass we came to a closed gate, the Continental Divide and the Boreas Pass Operations.  

We had to know more and Como hit our list of places to go. So beautiful up there and a brilliant 39 degrees and yes it was snowing.

Lady Tamara must now pack up and move to a new location.