Re: Question on Railfaning

A couple of years back I was chasing the 4449 on the north bank of the Columbia River through the Gorge. I got my photos near White Salmon and waited 10 minutes for all the east bound chasers to pass by. I figured that was it for the day but headed east anyway.
The speed limit along that stretch is something like 40 or 50 (very twisty and uneven two lane road). Most people drive 70 anyway.
I catch up to a WA state patrol car and figure that kills my chance of seeing the '49 for the rest of the day.
We get out to an overlook that has a spectacular view of the Dalles, Mt. Hood, and Wishram, the old SP&S yard and interchange point. The normally deserted overlook is stuffed to the gills with cars. I knew what it meant right away but the state trooper was curious. So I park beside him , and grab my camera gear and head for the railing . I overhear him asking some guy why everyone is stopped and the guy explains to the trooper about the steam locomotive that's taking on water on the RR tracks below. Someone mentions that the '49 will be leaving shortly and we can beat it to Maryhill State Park.
Woosh! That parking lot was empty in a minute and everyone is driving 80 mph the 5 miles or so to the state park, including one WA state trooper who wanted to see this steam locomotive himself!