I just got back from spending two wonderful days in the Feather River Canyon and an afternoon at the Feather River Rail Society's museum in Portola, Ca. My girlfriend and I drove up from Santa Rosa Wednesday morning. Didn't see much rail action until we got just outside of Oroville, at James. We saw five trains on our way up the canyon, one of which was a BNSF train, which I imagine came from the High Line. Of course, the highlight of the trip was the museum. I was all set for a couple of hours spent taking photos when I got a surprise... my girlfriend had rented WP F7 #921-D for me! Jack from the museum demonstrated the controls for me and soon I was zooming along at 10 mph around the museums loop. I say "zooming" because, to me we were! At first, I was very nervous, wondering if I would hit the brakes too hard and put everyone on the floor of the cab or not hard enough and smash into something. Jack was very patient and gave me tips while my girlfriend rode in the fireman's seat and took photos (I'll get them posted as soon as I get them back from the developer). Jack complimented me on my smooth stops, even telling me a couple times that I was a natural. and said I should become a volunteer. I will attribute the smooth stops to years of driving a truck and not that I'm a natural. We'll talk again, Jack, when I have to couple up to a train and I smack it good and hard! I want to thank Jack for being a great teacher answering all my questions, dumb or otherwise. He really made me feel at ease at the controls. I'll be back as soon as I can to take a few trips in GP20 #2001! And, I really want to thank my girlfriend, Anne, for a great surprise! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to operate anything at the museum! John
John, you are one lucky fellow! Sounds like Anne knows you very well what with that surprise. Sounds like it was the highlight of your trip. That's one trek I've always wanted to make,...to the Feather River Canyon, Keddie Wye and to the museum at Portolla, ever since I bought the book "My Western Pacific".....and hopefully someday I will. Thanks for relating the story for all of us. Bill
Wow. neat present! How do I get your lady to talk with my wife??? It's been a while since I was last in a loco cab. Never made it past the firemans seat..... Boxcab E50
Hey congrats John! Now you have joined the ranks of the few of us who really know how the throttle feels in your hand! There is nothing else like the feeling of an engine under your control, but now you know that too! You could only imagion what it was like to run an engine, and now you know how it is almost impossible to put into words what the feeling is really like! I would guess all of us would hug Anne's neck for the thrill she gave you! Hang on to her, she sounds like a "Keeper"! Bless her heart! Thank you Anne!
John, I second Watash's comments. Keep Anne (My late mother's name as well). I know how you felt, as I got to run the Pere Marquette 1225 a few years ago. Great thrill hauling that throttle back and making all that steam move stuff.
Oh, yes! I plan on keeping her! I must say, there really isn't any way to explain the feeling, except when you see the huge grin on my face! Now, I just got to figure out what to do to for her... John
An engagment ring has already been supplied as a Christmas present. The wedding has to wait until she gets done with college (she's studying for a career in law enforcement). I have my photographs back and I'll try get them scanned and posted here in the near future. John
