Road Trip – Day 2
Bald Knob
Cass Railroad – Part 2
Thursday, August 19
The end of the track is at 4,730 feet. However the actual summit is 4,842 feet and about one-fourth of a mile to the south west.
After the train stopped, most passengers headed to the overlook…
…where you could see for miles. The furthest mountain range is on the Virginia border about eleven miles away.
A closeup of an area on the right of the previous picture.
A closeup of the small, open area in the center of the same picture.
Notice the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in the center. If you follow my blog, you will remember that we drove by it one day earlier.
I found someone to take our picture.
If you like roughing it a bit, you can rent this caboose for the night. Remember to bring a flashlight, because there is no electric here. You can hike down the mountain or wait for the next train (noon tomorrow).
Many brought a packed lunch for the forty-five minute stop.
We had eaten at Whittacker Station, so I had time to look for interesting pictures of the train.
Interior of the caboose. Notice two beds just inside the back door. There were cupboards, closets, and a dining area. This was the caboose on our train, but I understand the one for overnight housing is similar.
Some closeups of Shay #6
Inside the engine. Notice the steam pressure gauge in the center and the engineer’s seat next to the window.
Coal – the fuel that keeps the engine powered.
This is an amazing machine!
Come Ride Along With Me
Come and ride to a railway station
Beyond imagination
Come ride along with me
We will go far beyond the hillside
Where stories grow and dreams hide
Come ride along with me
Come ride along
We will sing happy songs
Come and pretend
You may even make a brand new friend
We will go to a destination
Beyond your expectations
Come ride along with me
Come and ride to a railway station
James Coffey
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Tomorrow: The Brakemen
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