Treated like visiting royalty--or, how I spent my spring break

[CShaveRR]

I've posted bits and pieces of our three-week vacation elsewhere in the Forums; anyone who cares may look them up.  We drove west to California via Historic Route 66 (kinda-sorta), spent a week on the coast with our daughter and son-in-law, then returned by way of Las Vegas, Denver, and the Overland Route.  Lots of good sights seen, including the hot Schneider piggyback train on CSX east of St. Louis, a Rail-Runner commuter train, UP 7605, plenty of Surfliner and Metrolink stuff, Cajon, Fullerton, the Gaviota trestle, Tehachapi, and lots of yellow and gray on the way home.  A few exotic new reporting marks on freight cars for me, and a suitcase-sized bag filled with book and fabric purchases for Pat (I bought books, too; they went elsewhere).

But, as suggested by my title, a number of people, including many on this Forum, were responsible for making this one of the best and most truly relaxing vacations we've ever taken.

We never would have been able to find, or get to, Hill 582 on Cajon Pass without the help of Chad Thomas and his dad.  It was a pleasure having lunch with these gentlemen and their friends--in spite of the wardrobe malfunction, in which young Christian's pants were made out of the same material as the shirt I was wearing!

Thanks to Quentin and Poppa Zit for suggesting the exploration trip out of Las Vegas.  There will be a next time for that one--when I'm feeling better, when the new bridge below Hoover Dam is further along (will it be completed by next year as promised?--I doubt it.), and not on a Sunday afternoon when everyone else has the same idea.

I was the guest of Mudchicken and CopCarSS at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, while Boss Hen diverted Pat with the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum.  MC and BH also treated us (and Chris) to dinner at an unusual restaurant across from Burnham Yard in Denver--we got our first taste of buffalo steaks.  In between these group gatherings, I was in MC's mobile office as we explored many interesting spots in Denver, where some mighty big changes are coming.  MC, I saw your mention of Sand Creek--more exciting developments?

We were also welcomed to Denver by MC and BH's three presence-detectors.  They've been described as furballs with teeth, but all we got was tongue and tail-wags from Gus, Doogie, and Nigel.

We spent a little time exploring the perimeter of North Platte, and discovered a quilt shop abutting the tracks east of the yard--I wasn't too much of a help in color selection here, due to distractions outside.

Willy2 and I discussed trains, weather, and a number of other subjects at Fremont, while train after train went past us on UP (and a train of nearly-new BNSF ballast cars on their railroad).  Willy's mother took Pat antiquing (and Pat took her into a nearby quilt shop) while all of this was going on, resulting in a late lunch and an evening arrival at our next destination...

...which was the house of BLHanel and Joanie, where we spent the night.  Easter morning was filled with breakfast and worship at their church (Joanie and Pat harmonize well on hymns), a quick look at some of the nooks and Crandics--I mean crannies--and main lines around Cedar Rapids, before the marvelous dinner mentioned on another thread.  We then headed for home; both Pat and I still can't believe what a great time we had, and what a great bunch of people we've met via this Forum. 

I mentioned a "next time" earlier--we do have to go to California again in a couple of years when our daughter graduates, and I wouldn't mind driving again, if time and energy permit. 

Our thanks again to everyone mentioned herein, and to JoeKoh, who kept tabs on our progress from time to time.  We hope you'll all allow us to make an attempt at returning the favor when you visit Chicago sometime.

Pat, and...

[blhanel]

I can't wait until we can afford to take a trip like that.  The trip I took to CA back last August was way too hurried- I wish I would've had the time to ride the Georgetown Loop with CopCarSS, or make side trips to some of the other tourist lines, or spent more time with Chad on Hill 582 (without a loaded-to-the-gills minivan).

I'd love to head in other directions, too, such as down to Houston, or out east to personally see Horseshoe Curve, the Rockville Bridge, and ride AMTRAK up the NE corridor.

There are so many things I want to see and do in this country that I don't have much of a desire to utilize my passport.

Just a few more years until I can retire...

[Modelcar]

...Carl:  It's nice to hear someone has such a satisfactory vacation.  Sure sounds like you folks did and with fun and interesting, helpful people.

Hope you can visit that Boulder Dam site again {and when you are feeling well}, when the construction process has produced a completed bypass bridge.

Maybe you might have time next time to explore the long ago abandoned ROW of the RR down to the top of the Canyon at the Dam.  The one with all the tunnels.

Many years ago when I spent time in that area I sure did enjoy having the opportunity looking over the Dam site, the old ROW and the very active RR action down at Kingman.  Amtrak had not taken over the passenger runs yet and it was still the silver fluted double level Sante Fe passenger consists coming {and stopping}, there in kingman.  And yes, some with "Mar's" lights flashing brightly as they came down the grade {west bound}, preparing to stop there at the depot.  I enjoyed watching them in the evening with all the lights on in the pass cars, etc....Real railroad atmosphere.....

[mudchicken]

Carl:

The project at Sand Creek plus 4 more (all BNSF & UP) "happened" since you left. Crazy busy since you left and headed east. Boss Hen going to have to throw out the anchor. Wyoming on my radar next week if the snow melts. Last two days have been 16 hour adventures...

Going home now, hope 'da boyz remember who I am.

Mud

[Modelcar]

    Brian....When you get to Horseshoe Curve in the near future you will find down the road just a few miles {from the Curve}, a railroad museum in Altoona right alongside the main of NS...{former main of the Pennsy}.  But it is fun to be up right along side the center of the Curve and watch and listen to the west bounds struggle up around the grade to get to the summit of the Alleghenies.  But up at the summit you will be able to stand right on a bridge and look right into the double track tunnel some of the traffic uses to cut the last elevation off the mountain top....The other tunnel for the 3rd track is not visible from there but is just a short distance away.  There is a 2nd tunnel at the first location but not used anymore since the first one I mention has been double tracked back in the 90's and deepened to allow double stacks to pass through.  Tunnel location is Gallitzin, just a few miles west of the Curve.