Trains
This was undoubtedly the best day we’ve had for train watching. CSX rail traffic was busier than usual and we saw a lot of interesting consists passing by. One particular train had two BNSF locomotives at the lead, with one in the old Santa Fe warbonnet scheme, and was entirely made up of empty flat cars. Later on, a long freight train with a pair of DPU’s mid-train came to a stop right beside the property. We quickly put everything down, grabbed our hiking sticks, and hiked our way down the ravine. Soon after reaching track level, we heard the familiar sound of diesel engines coming from the east. That would be the first of three trains that passed through in the next short period.
Hobo Camp
Progress is being made on our new Hobo Camp picnic area. The site is accessible via a new walking path that winds down from the parking area. The Hobo Camp site provides open space, a fire pit, and hammock hooks. Plans are also underway to add a picnic table in the near future.
Zip-line
Our ambitious plan to launch a zip-line from the back of 17 has been abandoned. As it turns out, constructing a functional and safe zip-line is more complicated than just connecting a wire between two points. Our biggest obstacle was clearing the daffodil garden en route to the camp area. To achieve the needed clearance, the launch point at 17 had to be set extremely high, which prevented the boys from safely joining the line. The solution was not far from 17’s back door. Our new starting point is located near the stairway. The line begins at a large tree and terminates at the Hobo Camp.
Views from the Falls
