Ah, the solace of discovery in the reaches of ‘walk-in’ wilderness! Would that I could be the chap in the tennis shoes–but most of my experiences have been in hunting boots and gear and really hot or really cold atmospheres!
And then the stark change of rock and sage, sand and wind, bleak terrain and wide open large Blue Skies! Stunning and marvelous, each in its own wonderment and tranquility marching into the millennial future. I love them all.
The turning of the seasons and the steadfastness of the elements continue to impress and confirm that each has its place in our lives and us in the overall plan!
I was on a mailing list that featured the Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Engine 4014 episode answering a plea for help with a stalled Diesel Engine freight train stalled westbound on Blair Hill in Nebraska (some mechanical problems with the engine) and Big Boy (a 4-8-8-4) answered as it was the closest available option for help being on its way back to home in Cheyenne, WY. Pulling its own array of train cars and an emergency Diesel Engine (protocol to assure safe and timely return from its travels) the episode shows the arrival of the Big Boy, the preparation for hooking up to the last rail car in the train, short backup to assure coupling is secure, and then the really slow and careful push begins. The first massive load transfer to the steam engine sends a really huge black puff of smoke out the firebox and the rescue is on! Later the pushed train and the rescue Steamer are shown coming across a road crossing about 20 mph and the whistle of Big Boy brings shivers to my spine–wow! Google the complete story at UP Big Boy 4014 Shoves Stalled Manifest over Blair Hill (6/29/2023) Oh, 4-8-8-4 refers to a wheel configuration of 4 ‘steering’ wheels in front and then a set of 8 drive wheels (each over 6′ diameter), a second set of 8 drive wheels (each set on its own piston set), and 4 wheels to support the weight of the tender. Check out UP Big Boy 4014 specifications, you will be amazed at the weight and the horsepower–I am in awe.