Progress Inside 565
This weekend, we finally tackled the last bags of trash inside caboose 565. Most of it was just old linens and paper products that mice had gotten into, leaving everything chewed up and unusable. It was shocking to see how much damage those little critters—and vandals—had done. Between the two, there wasn’t much worth keeping.
On the brighter side, we also packed up several boxes of kitchenware to donate. Plates, cups, utensils, pans, and even some unopened disposable paper products—like cups, plates, and tablecloths—were all in decent shape and will be headed to the thrift shop. It felt good knowing those things could go to someone who could use them.
The cold was no joke, barely hitting the upper 20s, but our little Dyna-Glo propane heater made all the difference. 565 is pretty well-insulated, so it didn’t take much to get the space warm and comfortable. Without that heater, I’m not sure how much we would’ve gotten done—it was absolutely essential.
With all the junk cleared out, it’s easier than ever to see the potential inside 565. We’re all excited to have this space livable again. It’s fun to imagine gathering around the dining table for family meals here in the not-too-distant future.
Bit by bit, 565 is transforming into something special. We’re making it our own, and that feels really good.
Boys being Boys
The snowfall transformed Caboose Falls into a winter wonderland, lending the property an almost magical appearance. There’s something remarkable about how snow can soften a landscape, concealing imperfections and casting everything in a pristine, quiet beauty. The boys, of course, were thrilled; snow always ignites their boundless energy, and playing in it was their top priority.
Bundled in snow boots, snow pants, gloves, and warm hats, they spent much of the day immersed in the snowy terrain. They made trails of footprints, creating intricate patterns and designs across the freshly fallen snow. Their imaginations ran wild as the cabooses became fortresses, and they armed themselves with snowballs as their ammunition. The sound of laughter and the splat of snowballs hitting their steel sided caboose targets echoed across the property.
There were also unexpected discoveries in the snow. Behind the 565 caboose, the boys spotted rabbit tracks leading up a fallen tree. This little sign of wildlife added an extra layer of wonder to their day.
As the afternoon wore on, the boys began to tire. Having expended so much energy in their frosty adventures, they retreated to the warm refuge of 565, where the Dyna-Glo heater provided a cozy rest.
Quiet Rails
Train activity on the mainline was minimal, with only two trains passing through the valley all day. One was a westbound intermodal and the other an eastbound mixed freight.