Alpine Tunnel

[sparker1]

In addition to beautiful scenery, I also like to photograph interesting places from an historical perspective. The alpine Tunnel near Gunnison, CO certainly qualifies in that regard. Completed in 1881 after 18 months and nearly 10,000 workers at one time or another, the tunnel is at an elevation of 11,400 feet and is 1771 feet long. an engineering marvel for sure. It was built so that mined ore could be shipped by railroad for processing. The tunnel itself collapsed long ago, but the ruins are fascinating, and some of the structures have been restored. The road to the tunnel is 10 miles of narrow, rough and rocky road over what was originally the railroad track bed.

The first photo is the recently restored depot and the little remaining track on site. The second shows the ruins of the engine room, which could service up to six locomotives at once.

[sparker1]

The road bed includes several stone walls, called The Palisades, constructed by Italian stone masons. Built in 1880, without mortar, the walls are still structurally sound today. (At least I thought so when I drove over them.)

[cfcRebel]

Wonderful scenery! Thanks for the background information. It certainly makes the pictures more vivid.

[Harold_L]

Beautiful, Stan. I haven't been there for decades - glad to be there through your photos.

Harold

[MarkoPolo]

Thanks for making our state look good!. Great shots.

[sparker1]

Thanks for the feedback. It's easy to make good shots with so much beauty around.

[Special One]

Nice photos Stan. :)

[bigun]

I'm kind of wondering how do you get all of the colors to look so natural and real? Whenever i try landscape like this they are kind of blah. Do you use filters or is there some kind of PS technique. Thanks

[sparker1]

Hugh, thanks for adding the links to those interesting articles. I found the alpine Tunnel to be a very special place, despite the difficulty getting there. If the east side is rougher, pulling a trailer there must have been a nasty experience.

Thanks, Special One (you may have to explain your code name some day...LOL)

Bigun, I do use Circular Polarizers most of the time, which gives richer color. In PSE3, I do sometimes boost the Saturation (careful or it looks fake) and/or Contrast (again, just a little). Experiment with it until you feel it looks right to you.

[jopfin]

Excellent work Stan, love how you showed the tracks ending in the first one, keep 'em coming........Joe

[snowrdr]

The road bed includes several stone walls, called The Palisades, constructed by Italian stone masons. Built in 1880, without mortar, the walls are still structurally sound today. (At least I thought so when I drove over them.)

Love this shot! I would love to see this with snow in the winter also... http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif

[sparker1]

Dave, it would be nice to see in snow, but I wouldn't want to drive it when covered in snow.

[Reigh Higgins]

So crisp and clear!