The abandoned coupler

I love to bicycle when the weather is nice, and my favorite local trail is a state trail called the Glacial Drumlin Trail. This trail followed the old Chicago & North Western route (part of the "rails to trails" program). This part of the line ceased operation in 1983, and the trail opened in 1986.

A few weeks ago, I noticed an abandoned coupler in a ravine near the start of the trail. I'd never noticed it before, but because the growth from the woods hadn't grown up yet, It was more visible.

I loaded my camera into my back pack and biked to the location. I crawled down the ravine and took these photos. Click on any of the photos to make larger.

A view from the bike trail.

Crawling down the ravine.

What is the story of this old coupler?

If only this coupler could talk. How long has it been there? What was the conversation when it was being replaced?

Do you photograph old railroad items?