Re: To all the cynics

If one chooses to take a cynical point of view, there is plenty to criticize in the last year. The RGRPC, both management and labor, made mistakes last year. So did the Commission. Ditto the Friends. If one looks for the problems, they always can be found.
Well, the hell with that. Look at what did happen. The C&TS ran last year, under circumstances (many beyond anyone's control) that would have been trying for many a Class I railroad. The employees worked their tails off all year, as did many Friends' volunteers. The management of the RGRPC (paid and unpaid) put in unbelievable labor to keep the railroad running. The Commission made a leap of faith with the Friends and the RGRPC and stuck with it. Whatever shortcomings any individual or group involved with the C&TS might have, the fact is that the near-impossible was accomplished in 2000: actually operating the C&TS for the season!
So, let everyone learn from their mistakes, work together as a team, and do it again (and better!) in 2001.
One final comment: It seems all-to-often in any endeavor that those who like to snipe and criticize the most are the same people who stand on the sidelines and don't ever get really involved.