Miranda Hook's horseback riding lessons at Indianhead Rock Ranch started with catching her horse and getting that big saddle onto it. This was her birthday present: 5 hours of lessons at $100 with Deb Rudibaugh near Parlin, Colorado.

THEN: SOME of the footage of the Alpine Tunnel western portal includes historic photos and text found in the Telegraph Office near the dynamited tunnel through granite. Operating between 1880 and 1910, the line was sold several times before it was abandoned back to the government. At 11,600 feet above sea level, the Alpine Tunnel still draws many visitors across the incredible Palisades, a rock ledge built for the train without mortar.

Railroad buffs and volunteers are now alerted that on August 9th the volunteers will again gather at the Alpine Tunnel western portal near Pitkin, Colorado to work and celebrate the tunnel's history of carrying dignitaries (possibly President Teddy Roosevelt!).

If you didn't get out of the sweltering heat of Denver this summer, here is a surrogate vacation for you. But there are still a few days of summer to spend in Pitkin. You could stay at the historic Pitkin Hotel, also known at the Bon Ton Hotel, before it closes or is sold. JoAn Bannister, owner, wants to retire. She's at 970-641-0111.

Next week we'll share video interviewing Bob and Gene working on restoration of the Engine House.

Paula also calls on Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to release the videotape of Mr. Booker's murder at the hands of jailers still working there. Paula suggests that if Mr. Hickenlooper wishes to be governor of Colorado, he should release the video to journalists now.