Rear brake. Brakeman Mike Nichols mans the hand brakes while protecting the rear of his chartered D&RGW freight as the train backs to pick up passengers after a photo run-by at the Animas High Bridge. This particular bridge is the tallest of the five Animas crossings on the old Silverton Branch. At this location, the Animas River is less than 75 feet below the track level. As the trains work south from here, the track climbs, while the river descends into a deep gorge. Just under two miles south of here, on the famous "High Line", the river is approximately 400 ft below the train. And yes, the Animas really is that green at this location!
