Re: NNG - Doubleheader to Bald Knob

Wayne Laepple Wrote:
=======================================================
> Back in the day, it was possible to ride the first
> Whitaker train up, then walk over the top of the
> hill to see the Bald Knob train work its way
> through the switchbacks and then walk back to
> Whitaker in time to board the Bald Knob train. Of
> course, now much of what was open pasture then is
> grown up in trees today.
>
> My first visit to Cass was in May, 1966, and the
> line was only open as far as Whitaker. I try to
> get back there every 4-5 years at minimum. Now
> looking forward to Climax No. 9 coming into
> service.

One the disappointments of Cass is how much the vegetation has taken over. All the panoramic views you see in the old John Krause shots of Gum curve and on up the mountain are gone now - disappeared in a sea of green tree tunnels.

I went up to the spot Wayne mentioned below Whitaker to watch and record the two trains working their way up the hill. All one can see is smoke rising above the trees until the train comes around the curve 200 feet away. Photographically, it was a bust, but it still sounded great.

someone needs to log the place off again...