What a fun trip so far! I'm enjoying the photos taken along the way as well as the food. From what it looks like you're probably getting close to Nevada and Southern California really soon.
Is there a stop planned in Tehachapi, CA? Try to see the the famous Tehachapi loop while there. When I drive from my home (in Northern California) down south to see relatives in the Antelope Valley (about 1 hour drive from Tehachapi) I like to get off the freeway at Keene and drive to the loop. When driving up from Mohave west on hwy 58, you'll see alot of wind turbines. Before heading into the canyon from Mohave, look back east over your shoulder. If it's clear that day you can easily see 100 miles across the desert.
In the Sacramento area try to see the California Rail Museum. If you are there Tuesday-Saturday, go next door to the museum's library. It is definitely worth a stop. If you can make a one day sidetrip up to Donner Pass do it. It's about 80-100 miles east of Sacramento, and as of today, there is still ALOT of snow in the high country. There are a number of places I like to go to photograph trains while driving up I-80 to Donner Pass, so if you are interested in some ideas let me know.
Going north on I-5, try to stop at Dunsmuir, which is north of Redding, CA, and is in the shadow of Mt. Shasta. Really cool turntable and other items that are still there. Further north into Oregon, make a stop at Cottage Grove. If you're also a movie buff go to Main Street just west of the tracks. It's where the final scenes of "Animal House" were filmed.
Others have mentioned the things to do in and around Portland, OR, but if you and your wife want to take it easy for a day or so, go east about 35 miles to Cascade Locks OR, and stay at the Best Western there. The hotel faces the Columbia River, and if you get a room facing the river, you'll see both the UP trains (Oregon side) and the BNSF trains (Washington side). All this from your balcony!
That's it for now. As I mentioned, I'm really enjoying your travels, and can't wait until July when my wife and I do a 10 day car trip of our own!
Jeff
Day 9:
.
Today was a complete train drought. No model trains, no train museums, no train displays, and not even a grade crossing!
We were supposed to start the day at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, then go to Marble Canyon, then to the Grand Starcase National Monument. We were going to return to the hotel in Kanab, Utah.
I found out the North Rim is still closed for Winter! It will not reopen for about three more weeks. We had to make a quick change of plans.
I found a hotel for tonight in Arizona, then cancelled the hotel in Kanab for the second day. We re-ordered the sights to go to Marble Canyon, then the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
The drive out of Kanab had some real interesting sights.
Marble Canyon was beautiful.
We drove by the Crimson Cliffs on the way to the South Rim. They are also very beautiful.
The Grand Canyon was breath-taking. There is no way to imagine it in photographs. You really need to see it in person to appreciate it.
The air was a bit hazy today, so "big" shots of the canyon scenery were difficult. I did see lots of amazing natural wonders.
The Gray Rental Impala is a long way from home!
We then drove to the hotel and grabbed dinner. We found a place called the "Canyon King Pizzerria" which I thought was a restaurant with a riverboat theme, bit it turns out it is actually a real riverboar built in the 1980s that was removed from the water and turned into a restaurant. The engine room is still even still intact with a pair of Detroit 6-71 engines in the bay.
This was my favorite picture of the day. I took over 300 pictures today.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
doctorwayneI am, however, enjoying following along on your trip, Kevin, even including the foodie fotos.
And I am very glad to have you following along.
Dixie National Forest gets its name from the southern Utah region known for its red rock, sandstone and clay soil, reminiscent of areas in the American South
That sounds a bit off. I grew up in the American South, and have lived there my entire life, and nothing in the Amercian South looks anything like Utah.
Other than the fact the dirt is red, I don't see much in common.
York1When my wife and I took a trip west, we had to stop and take a picture the first time we saw these. The next time, my wife just took a picture while we drove. After several hours, we didn't even look at them anymore. We couldn't believe how many there were along the roads.
After the drive today, we don't really take notice anymore either. Must have seen 20 deer and 3 elk.
confordWhen you pass through Portland, be sure to stop at the Whistle Stop Trains.
If I can make it while the store is still open, I sure will.
York1 SeeYou190 The local wildlife came out to say hello as we drove by. They were not scared at all by the pasing car. . . When my wife and I took a trip west, we had to stop and take a picture the first time we saw these. The next time, my wife just took a picture while we drove. After several hours, we didn't even look at them anymore. We couldn't believe how many there were along the roads.
SeeYou190 The local wildlife came out to say hello as we drove by. They were not scared at all by the pasing car. . .
When my wife and I took a trip west, we had to stop and take a picture the first time we saw these.
The next time, my wife just took a picture while we drove.
After several hours, we didn't even look at them anymore. We couldn't believe how many there were along the roads.
This may amaze some of you, but here in the Mid Atlantic, amid some of the highest human populaton density in the U.S., deer are EVERYWHERE, and they are significant motor vehicle hazard.
They live in any medium size forested area, and can be found in all sorts of public parks and natural spaces even in cities.
Out here in the rural suburbs where we are they can be seen daily especially in spring and fall when they are most active during daylight hours.
No need to travel thousands of miles, there are hundreds within a mile or two of me as I sit here.
People, they are not afraid of people. I think they even know when hunting season is, and where hunting is not allowed :)
Even the deer know that east of the Mississippi and North of the Ohio and the Potomac, is where clean water and lush vegitation abound.
Sheldon
SeeYou190The local wildlife came out to say hello as we drove by. They were not scared at all by the pasing car. . .
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
SeeYou190As we drove down the Mountain, I passed by this sign. I think this must be a joke. How can the "DIXIE" National Forrest be in Utah? Did a survey crew get really lost? .
"Dixie National Forest gets its name from the southern Utah region known for its red rock, sandstone and clay soil, reminiscent of areas in the American South (also dubbed America’s Dixie). It is Utah’s largest national forest and covers a vast area from the Colorado River to the Great Basin"
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g60765-d145446-r646852712-Dixie_National_Forest-Cedar_City_Utah.html
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
SPSOT fan Are those two Tunnel Motors to the right to the DD40X? The Rio Grande looks like and SD40T-2 while the SP looks to be an SD45T-2. Am I correct? Also snow like you‘ve encountered is completely normal out west in May and June! I suspect you will see the same thing as you cross the Cascades in Washington!
Are those two Tunnel Motors to the right to the DD40X?
The Rio Grande looks like and SD40T-2 while the SP looks to be an SD45T-2. Am I correct?
Also snow like you‘ve encountered is completely normal out west in May and June! I suspect you will see the same thing as you cross the Cascades in Washington!
The Rio Grande Unit is a Sd-40t-2 tunnel motor. The SP unit is a SD45 (not a T-2) just a 45.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
SeeYou190 .....The local wildlife came out to say hello as we drove by. They were not scared at all by the pasing car. . .
.....The local wildlife came out to say hello as we drove by. They were not scared at all by the pasing car.
Like Mike, I'm not much into photos of food...I eat to live, rather than live to eat. However, I'm surprised that the photo above wasn't included on the menu....lotsa steaks and roasts there, and four drumsticks from each.
I am, however, enjoying following along on your trip, Kevin, even including the foodie fotos.
Wayne
rrebell As I recall the red light district was futher to the east a few blocks. Got my model railroading started at M.B.Kleins, nice people.
As I recall the red light district was futher to the east a few blocks. Got my model railroading started at M.B.Kleins, nice people.
Actually south, barely two blocks. The joke always was how close it was to city hall and police HQ..........
Yes, nice people, and great inventory.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL A few thoughts: Train stores in bad neighborhoods - MB Klein, known today on the web as ModelTrainStuff, before moving to the suburbs, was for many decades located in downtown Baltimore, in an area that interestingly contains City Hall, Fire Department HQ, Police HQ.......and the red light district.......one that for decades made Baltimore infamous...... Food while traveling - well I'm glad you are having fun with the food Kevin, but I'm not so adventureous. I don't eat anything remotely "spicey" (and maybe my body knows best, my father died at age 60 from a previously dormant stomach ulcer that was disturbed by heart surgery). A lot of what you have pictured in the way of food, I would not eat on a bet. To each their own. I'll stick to my bland diet. My wife and I have done a lot of impromptu travel, pack a bag and go, no fixed plan, no reservations, no schedule. My wife will sleep almost anywhere, she says your only going to sleep and bathe there, it only needs to be clean, not fancy. We once took a trip to New England, she hated Boston, was bored with lots of stuff, she loved Salem with the witch lore, we got to Newport RI, and stayed a week........that was not even a thought when we started out. My travels in the west are very limited, but I just don't really get the "beauty" in the scenery. I climbed to the summit of a 12,000 ft mountain on the front range of the Rockies in Colorado at age 18, I've seen Colorado Springs, Kansas City, and St Louis, Milwaukee, etc. I'll take the east any day, for the weather and the scenery. I do think it is a great adventure you are on, glad you are having a good trip. Sheldon
A few thoughts:
Train stores in bad neighborhoods - MB Klein, known today on the web as ModelTrainStuff, before moving to the suburbs, was for many decades located in downtown Baltimore, in an area that interestingly contains City Hall, Fire Department HQ, Police HQ.......and the red light district.......one that for decades made Baltimore infamous......
Food while traveling - well I'm glad you are having fun with the food Kevin, but I'm not so adventureous. I don't eat anything remotely "spicey" (and maybe my body knows best, my father died at age 60 from a previously dormant stomach ulcer that was disturbed by heart surgery).
A lot of what you have pictured in the way of food, I would not eat on a bet. To each their own. I'll stick to my bland diet.
My wife and I have done a lot of impromptu travel, pack a bag and go, no fixed plan, no reservations, no schedule. My wife will sleep almost anywhere, she says your only going to sleep and bathe there, it only needs to be clean, not fancy.
We once took a trip to New England, she hated Boston, was bored with lots of stuff, she loved Salem with the witch lore, we got to Newport RI, and stayed a week........that was not even a thought when we started out.
My travels in the west are very limited, but I just don't really get the "beauty" in the scenery. I climbed to the summit of a 12,000 ft mountain on the front range of the Rockies in Colorado at age 18, I've seen Colorado Springs, Kansas City, and St Louis, Milwaukee, etc. I'll take the east any day, for the weather and the scenery.
I do think it is a great adventure you are on, glad you are having a good trip.
York1 SeeYou190 There is something amazing about Wyoming that I have never experienced before. There are no trees to block your view, so you can see ENTIRE TRAINS as they roll through the countryside. In the South, we have so many trees Kevin, My father-in-law who lived in Atlanta, GA, said the same thing when he visited in Nebraska. He had not seen an actual sunset in years because of all the trees in the southeast U.S. What a great trip! Hope you continue to have a good time.
SeeYou190 There is something amazing about Wyoming that I have never experienced before. There are no trees to block your view, so you can see ENTIRE TRAINS as they roll through the countryside. In the South, we have so many trees
Kevin,
My father-in-law who lived in Atlanta, GA, said the same thing when he visited in Nebraska. He had not seen an actual sunset in years because of all the trees in the southeast U.S.
What a great trip! Hope you continue to have a good time.
I live near ATL now (grew up in GI). Yes. The Piedmont. Hills, forests, tall pines, and lots of underbrush foliage. Often times I can't anything that's in front of me other than walls of leaves and bark. Shade keeps the sun off, which is nice, but it sometimes creates darn-near claustrophobic conditions.
Looks like Kevin is having a great time. I hope he gets a chance for some R&R in LA and Seattle with the kids. Lots of driving would take a toll on me.
Yes, out west, temperature and moisture is dictated by elevation. Us flatlanders think of temperature as strictly a north/south thing. Out west it can be more of an up/down thing.
- Douglas
SeeYou190 The collection of locomotives here was pretty sparse. Unfortunataly that UP Northern in in pretty bad shape. It looks like it was cannabilized for parts to keep 8444 on the road. . The DDA40X was impressive, but it was too close to the other locomotives to really appreciate it. . There is a Gas Turbine there, but it was under a tent and out of sight. . The weather finally cleared, so I got off I-15 and headed into the mountains to the East. We quickly climbed to over 10,000 feet, and deep snow was everywhere! . To my shocking surprise, the road I was on suddenly ended when I reached the end of snow plow service. What? Why did they not clear the whole road? I had to turn around and find another route. This was crazy, it is 90 degrees back home, and here I was stopped in my tracks by 36 inches of snow. .
The collection of locomotives here was pretty sparse. Unfortunataly that UP Northern in in pretty bad shape. It looks like it was cannabilized for parts to keep 8444 on the road.
The DDA40X was impressive, but it was too close to the other locomotives to really appreciate it.
There is a Gas Turbine there, but it was under a tent and out of sight.
The weather finally cleared, so I got off I-15 and headed into the mountains to the East. We quickly climbed to over 10,000 feet, and deep snow was everywhere!
To my shocking surprise, the road I was on suddenly ended when I reached the end of snow plow service. What? Why did they not clear the whole road? I had to turn around and find another route. This was crazy, it is 90 degrees back home, and here I was stopped in my tracks by 36 inches of snow.
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
Howard ZaneMan, you are my kind of a guy. I have often dreamed of doing this, but Sandy my wife would have other ideas. How did you convince your significant other to go along?
I convinced her with promises of lots of antique stores, beautiful scenery, fun & adventure, and visiting the girls in Los Angeles & Seattle.
Day 8:
This day started out dismal. The skies were dreary, and the sun was nowhere to be seen. This is not acceptable conditions for picture taking in magnificent scenic surroundings.
This was the view from my hotel window this morning in North Utah. Blah and yuck. I need better lighting than this.
We started today at the Utah Railroad Museum in Ogden, Utah. This is in an old railroad station. The interior is beautiful, but without my wide-angle lense, I could not get a good picture of it.
They had a lot of cool historical railroad equipment on the inside including this CTC panel that I just had to play with.
There is an HO scale layout inside the museum. It is divided into several seperate sections. It is very well executed and since it is behind glass, it is not dusty like the BNSF layout in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
Of course, Promontory Point scenes were a major part of the exhibition.
Then I climbed into an 0-6-0 and moved a few freight cars about (only in my head).
The UNION PACIFIC executive train was there in preparation for the Golden Spike ceremony next month. Where did this blue sky come from in this picture? I did not even notice that when I took this picture.
Then I went to the Train Shoppe in Salt Lake City, Utah. This was a neat store that had an old west style fun room in the back for little kids. This store is gorgeous. That front entry looks great in person.
Then I headed South on Interstate 15 out of Salt Lake City. It was raining, and there was no chance of getting any pictures, so the Interstate was chosen for travel. I put 200 miles behind me in rain and poor conditions.
Something interesting happened around mile marker 100. Suddenly there were trees everywhere! The mountains began to look like what I see in Tennessee. It is amazing what a difference trees make.
I found a way down the mountain while still heading more or less Eastward. For a while we actually had nice bright blue skies!
I began to see Pine Trees that look nothing like the pines we have back in Florida.
I saw pine trees that look like Christmas Trees!
And then I saw this bizarre looking tree.
I had to climb down a hill and then climb back to the car for that third tree picture. I found out something weird, at 10,000 feet it takes a while to catch your breath. It really is harder to beathe up here.
The local wildlife came out to say hello as we drove by. They were not scared at all by the pasing car.
The sky became overcast and dismal again after we crossed the mountain, so no awesome blue backround in most of the pictures that were taken today.
As we drove down the Mountain, I passed by this sign. I think this must be a joke. How can the "DIXIE" National Forrest be in Utah? Did a survey crew get really lost?
We finally made it to Kanab and the hotel a little after 9:00 this evening. The tourist trap called "Wigwam Denny's" across the road was open, so that was our only option for dinner.
I had the "Sinatra Burger", and while pricey, it was very good. I don't know if The Chairman Frankie Blue Eyes ever ate anything like this monster.
I did get a few good pictures today in spite of the poor lighting conditions. This was the best picture of the day.
I will keep the daily updates coming.
ATLANTIC CENTRALTrain stores in bad neighborhoods - MB Klein, known today on the web as ModelTrainStuff, before moving to the suburbs, was for many decades located in downtown Baltimore, in an area that interestingly contains City Hall, Fire Department HQ, Police HQ.......and the red light district.......one that for decades made Baltimore infamous......
One of the greatest hobby shops ever, Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami, was probably in a great neighborhood when it was new. The decay in tha section in Miami was awful. By the 1990s I was afraid to go there, even with their armed security in the parking lot.
I think they went out of existance in the early 2000's.
Now that area of Miami is magnificent. The urban restoration has been completely successful. It would make me so happy if Ready To Roll would occupy the old space of Orange Blossom Hobbies.
SouthgateAre you feeling the effects of jet-lag? (Impala-lag?) Time zone changes!
Heading West I am gaining hours on the way.
Going back East in two weeks might be a much different story.
JaBearI have to agree,
Thanks for the Bear-Toon. I am having way too much fun.
Water Level RouteKeep having fun. I'm sure you will.
I am! I am going to do my best to keep the fun going for 15 more days!
doctorwaynefollowing his well-planned itinerary.
The only thing that is actually planned is the hotel stops. I am just sort of winging everything else along the way. I have found the best way to have fun on the road is to just go with the flow and allow plenty of extra time for the unexpected fun that comes along the way.
mbinsewiI don't get the food pictures.
I love food! I try to rarely eat at chains. Dining is an adventure for me. It is part of life that I really enjoy.
I especially love sharing meals with new friends and interesting people.
York1He had not seen an actual sunset in years because of all the trees in the southeast U.S.
That would be terrible. Where I live, I can watch the sun set over the Gulf Of Mexico any time I like. I love sunsets.
last mountain & eastern hoggerpick up all the goodies in the Denver, Greely ,Golden, et all, shops and museums and those famous ride tourist trains that they have in Colorado.
I did Colorado a few years ago, and we plan to go back in 2023. This trip will be a lot of new territory for us further north on the return trip.
Most of the driving days are 12+ hours on the return trip, so there won't be much time for serious sight seeing. I hope to get to Mount Rushmore. We will see.
rs2mikeI almost went to ready to roll last week when I was in miami. I gave up because I did not want to drive in the traffic for 45 min to opa loca.
Ready To Roll is very intimidating from the outside. You need to park in an alley and walk through razor-wired gates. If you can get past all that and the bad neighborhood, it is a great store.
last mountain & eastern hogger Kevin, after stopping at Jim's Junction in Billings, it would be simple to drop straight south through Cheyenne Wyoming,(great railroad town.)and pick up all the goodies in the Denver, Greely ,Golden, et all, shops and museums and those famous ride tourist trains that they have in Colorado. Much better pickings that going straight through to the Twin Cities for the miles travelled.. picking up Dressler, Neb. after you leave Colorado. Johnboy out............................Have a great tour.
Kevin, after stopping at Jim's Junction in Billings, it would be simple to drop straight south through Cheyenne Wyoming,(great railroad town.)and pick up all the goodies in the Denver, Greely ,Golden, et all, shops and museums and those famous ride tourist trains that they have in Colorado. Much better pickings that going straight through to the Twin Cities for the miles travelled.. picking up Dressler, Neb. after you leave Colorado.
Johnboy out............................Have a great tour.
There is a lot there just between Cheyenne and Denver. There is the Cheyenne depot Museum with Harry Brunks UC&N that was featured in the Gazette. Then in Denver there is Caboose and just outside is the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. Another hour takes you to the Georgetown Loop.
There is a lot there just between Cheyenne and Denver. There is the Cheyenne depot Museum with Harry Brunks UC&N that was featured in the Gazette. Then in Denver there is Caboose and just outside is the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. Another hour takes yoy to the Georgetown Loop.
I almost went to ready to roll last week when I was in miami. I gave up because I did not want to drive in the traffic for 45 min to opa loca. hopefully next time now that I know it is a good one. Get there often with work/.
Mike
alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Like the food pic's, food makes a region different.
Doughless Bad food can make for a real crappy vacation. In more ways than one......
Well put, been there.
Never mind then, just wondering why that is such a topic. His scenic pics and railroad related stuff is great, and we know he's there, as he gets himself involved with most of them.
Travel on Kevin.
Mike.
My You Tube
SeeYou190There is something amazing about Wyoming that I have never experienced before. There are no trees to block your view, so you can see ENTIRE TRAINS as they roll through the countryside. In the South, we have so many trees
mbinsewi I don't get the food pictures. Reminds of looking in on the wife's Facebook. Everybody has to post what they're eating. Mike.
I don't get the food pictures. Reminds of looking in on the wife's Facebook. Everybody has to post what they're eating.
I enjoy them, since food is a big part of traveling, IMO. Bad food can make for a real crappy vacation. In more ways than one......
Doughless...I've noticed that the expression of something being "just over there" means about 3 miles in the east. It means about 30 miles in the west. A person gets accustomed to the different perceptions of distance....
You're certainly right about that, Douglas. Many years ago, driving back to Ontario after a trip to British Columbia, we took a detour to see the Badlands in Alberta. Rather than return south to the Trans Canada Highway, we continued east on a secondary highway, and finally came to another road heading south. While it was gravel, it was in good condition, and I was able to do an easy 60mph. We saw nothing but fields of grain, stretching as far as the eye could see, but after about 20 minutes, reached the end of the road: a farmhouse and associated outbuildings...with a 20 MILE LONG DRIVEWAY!
After backtracking, we continued east until we found another southbound route, this time paved and with traffic.
Fortunately, Kevin seems to be having a good time, and is following his well-planned itinerary.
So jealous! This trip looks like a blast! I don't think I could convince my wife to take such an endeavour with me, and I know I couldn't if it involved stops at hobby shops along the way. I love NW Wyoming. In my opinion, it's truly God's country. Other locals are beautiful in their own way too (Desert Southwest, Maine coast, northern California, etc.), but not the same for me. While I'm not sure I would do it, I totally get renting a car for the trip. If something mechanically happens, you aren't stuck waiting for repairs to happen. You swap out rides and continue.
Keep having fun. I'm sure you will.