Although we arrived later than planned, our day turned out to be both productive and filled with excitement. Here’s a glimpse into all the fun we had!
Clearing the Way for Sunshine
We kicked off the day with some much-needed work behind the atrium, using our trusty loppers to clear saplings and underbrush. While clearing, we were thrilled to discover a beautiful holly plant thriving in the area—it’s always exciting to uncover hidden gems of nature around Caboose Falls.
Instead of dragging the larger limbs to the burn pile, we decided to cut them into smaller sections and let them decompose in place. This not only saves time but also benefits the property by returning nutrients to the soil.
Our work didn’t stop there. We also cleared out some of the smaller trees near the B&O CPL signal. With these efforts, we’re letting more sunlight reach the area, which will help it dry out faster after rainstorms and make it even more inviting for visitors.
Lighting Up the Holidays
In the spirit of the season, Caboose Falls is glowing brighter than ever. The centerpiece of our decorations is our stunning Christmas tree, displayed proudly in the atrium beside a vintage passenger car seat. The all-white tree is adorned with Christmas lights, shiny blue and glittery silver ball ornaments, and one of our new metal Caboose Falls logo signs. Decorating the tree was a family affair, and everyone had a wonderful time adding their personal touches.
All of our cabooses now feature energy-efficient LED marker lights! The most recent upgrade was on 565’s set of Pyle lights, and while they aren’t technically Christmas decorations, their red and green glow adds a festive warmth to our holiday decor.
It’s a joy to see how these small touches can bring a little extra magic to Caboose Falls during the holidays.
A Special First Visit
Today was especially exciting because we had a very special guest, our young nephew, visiting Caboose Falls for the first time! There’s nothing quite like seeing this place through the eyes of a child. He had an amazing time exploring the cabooses, learning how train seats can change direction, and discovering how to safely climb on and off the equipment. His enthusiasm was infectious, and it reminded us all of the joy and wonder that Caboose Falls brings to everyone who visits.
A Hike to Remember
The best part of the day was undoubtedly our hike. We made our way down to the river, where the boys spent time on a natural rock jetty, skipping stones and tossing sticks into the flowing water to watch them float away. Along the way, they hunted for railroad spikes, studied animal tracks, and marveled at the freight trains speeding by. They even noticed the unique articulated connections between the intermodal car sets—a fascinating detail for our little railfans!
Christian made an exciting discovery—a vintage green glass insulator, a fascinating piece of railroad history. He was thrilled to find it, especially since it features a five-point star embossed on the skirt. We’re hopeful this unique marking will help us uncover more about its origins.
On the trail, the boys also had fun playing with ice sheets that had formed over puddles. Armed with their hiking sticks, they worked to pry off the ice, competing to break free the largest chunks. It was a simple challenge that added to the adventure.
On the way back, the younger boys decided to take a more daring route. They climbed a steep 150% slope using small trees for support. It was a challenging climb, but they accomplished it with determination—a proud moment for everyone.
Hot Chocolate and Sunsets
After a steep climb back to the cabooses, we all gathered to warm up with cups of rich hot chocolate topped with giant marshmallows. Alongside the hot chocolate, we enjoyed a sweet treat of double-stuffed Oreo cookies (Grandpa’s favorite) and frosted sugar cookies—a perfect reward after an adventurous day.
The sun sets early this time of year, but the breathtaking colors painted across the sky made for a spectacular view. It was the perfect way to end another unforgettable day at Caboose Falls, filled with adventure, family, and the joy of the season.
Railfaninng
Another fantastic day at Caboose Falls has come and gone. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore, restore, and enjoy this special place.