Re: I heard from Nick ...

John West Wrote:
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> The immediate issue in my mind is to settle on
> dates. One of my concerns is to minimize the
> chances of getting caught in the monsoon season,
> which seems to be late July and early August. The
> June 30-July 1 weekend works for me, is close to
> a full moon, and should be before the monsoons
> "normally" hit (nothing is for sure with weather,
> only vague probabilities). But I don't know if the
> weekend prior to July 4th is a plus or a minus for
> some folks. The alternative would probably be a
> weekend in late August. If we wait until Fall co-
> lor, the trip would probably have to be scheduled
> during the week.  I'm looking for feedback.
> If I don't hear a bunch of objections, my first
> choice will be June 30-July 1, my second choice
> would be during the week in late September ...
> all subject to railroad agreement of course.
>
> JBWX


Sounds pretty good to me, John -

For all of the reasons stated above - and for the sake of variety.  I've been on several fall-colors trips, and we should get some color on Pete's trips next month as well; other charter operators also seem to favor the fall.  I've only ridden a couple of times in the spring and early summer, and both times only on the east end, so a trip shortly after the solstice would be something new for me. The days are really long then as well, providing lots of afternoon and evening light for your east-end "explorations" on the second day.

The biggest consideration is the helper, of course, but with ten months notice the RR can hopefully at least schedule regular maintenance so as to have all four K-36's available that weekend unless an emergency occurs.  If #463 is back in service by then, she would be available as a backup or even as the engine for a regular passenger train on the east end where her lower power shouldn't be an issue, freeing up a K-36 for your use.

Another factor is the possibility / probability of other events happening later in the week. The C&TS, the D&SNG and the SL&RG are all likely to have family-oriented special events on July 4th, so for those coming a long way there may be an added incentive to make a trip to Narrow Gauge Country at that time.

As an old retiarded geezer - aka Curmudgeon - my calender is pretty free, so no matter which dates you decide on you're probably going to have to put up with me.  Fortunately, Ed Stabler will very likely be able to join us June 30 - July 1, so in spite of your entreaties no-one will have to listen to me try to sing - or even worse, try to yodel.  Ed might have his new album of RR songs ready by then, so maybe we can even have a CD-release party on Friday night!!
- El Curmudgeono de los Locos Viejos y Verdes   Please see Urias' recent post for a rough translation ...