JOURNEY TO MID-AMERICA AND ONTARIO
- PART 2
By Jack M. Turner
Photos By John C. Turner
In Part 1 we visited several cities in the southeastern
and midwestern United States, rode two Amtrak routes, including our next
to last missing Amtrak line, and journeyed aboard two commuter lines during
the first half of our summer 2010 travels.
Along Lake Superior to White River
After complimentary continental breakfast at the Lake
View Hotel we crossed the street and boarded the 9:30am Star Line ferry bound
for Mackinaw City. Star Line operates ferry service every half hour
during summer daylight hours with a total of over 60 daily trips linking
Mackinac Island with Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Within minutes of
landing at Mackinaw City we had loaded our overnight bags into our van and
were on our way northward.
Insert pix # 4473 & 4476 here
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Departing Mackinac Island on a Star Line ferry
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Lighthouses protect the entrance to the harbor at Mackinac Island
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The towering Mackinac Bridge opened on November 1,
1957 to connect Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. Today the Mackinac
Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere and third
longest in the world. At its midpoint the deck of the bridge stands
200 feet above the Straits of Mackinac which connect Lake Michigan with Lake
Huron. As part of Interstate 75, the bridge is very busy due to its
direct north-south route between the United States and Canada.
Insert pix # 4483 here
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Crossing the Mackinac Bridge high above the Straits
of Mackinac
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About an hour north of the Mackinac Bridge we crossed
into Canada at Sault Ste. Marie where another bridge crosses the St. Marys
River and the locks serving oceangoing ships. This waterway connects
Lake Huron and Lake Superior via a network of lakes and bays. Due to
the heavy traffic using the I-75 routing, passage through Canadian Customs
took over 30 minutes. We took some time at Sault Ste. Marie to visit
the Algoma Central station where John and I would board a train in two days
then stopped at the visitor information center to get our bearings.
Highway 17, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, traced
the shore of Lake Superior and its many smaller inlets and bays as we headed
in a northerly direction. This route is one of the most scenic in eastern
North America as the highway's many twists and turns mixed with hilly sections
provide beautiful vistas of Lake Superior's blue waters. Along the
way there are numerous places to pull off and enjoy views of waterfalls as
well as the lake's clear waters which often allow views of rocks beneath the
surface. At one point along Agawa Bay north of Montreal River, the
highway is within five miles of the Algoma Central Railway which is perched
in the hills near Agawa Canyon.
Insert pix # 4506, 4520, 5517, 4526, 5532, 4539 & 4542 here
About four hours after entering Canada we reached the
day's destination, White River, Ontario. This small town of just over
1,000 residents is located along the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline and
is served by the first highway west of Sudbury directly linking the northern
and southern Trans-Canada Highway routes. Before dinner we stopped
by the unstaffed VIA Rail Canada station to watch the tri-weekly train arrive
from Sudbury with a surprisingly good passenger load; we then stopped by
a small park where a statue of Winnie the Pooh honored the birthplace of that
children's character. There are only a couple of motels in this town
and our selection of the White River Motel was rewarded with a clean, spacious
room that was quiet despite facing the highway. The staff of this property
were most accommodating and we appreciated our room's air-conditioning on
the moderately warm days which were followed by chilly nights. Restaurants
near the White River Motel provided a choice of places to eat dinner and
a take-out sandwich place next door was perfect for stocking up the next morning
before boarding the train. The evening was spent preparing for the
next day's travel and checking online information thanks to our motel's free
wireless service.
Insert pix # 5543, 5553 & 4549 here
VIA Rail Canada RDCs arrive in White River on June 26,
2010 after an all-day trek from Sudbury
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A park along Highway 17 honors Winnie-The-Pooh whose origins are
traced to White River
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White River Motel offers clean comfortable lodging and
courtesy transportation to the VIA Rail Canada station
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Historic RDCs: Completing My VIA Rail Route Map
Sunday June 27 marked the day in which I would cover
the only VIA Rail Canada line I had yet to travel across. When one
thinks of VIA trains, images of dome cars named for national parks; dining
cars with etched glass partitions; and sleeping cars offering a variety of
accommodations come to mind. VIA train # 186 was, however, quite the
opposite as its three rail diesel cars offered only coach seating with no
food or beverage service whatsoever. We were well supplied with an
ice chest full of sodas and bottled water and sandwiches prepared at the
food shop beside the White River Motel. The motel manager had offered
to transport us to the depot, however, Christine wanted to see us off since
that would likely be the day's highlight. Given the busy itinerary
of our travels, she was all too happy to spend an extra night relaxing in
White River before driving north to Hearst where we would meet up the next
day.
Since the Saturday westbound run had been heavily booked,
an extra RDC had been added to the consist as normally two cars make up this
train. The lead car contained the operating cab and a baggage section
which would be well used for home supplies, canoes, and various other items
carried by passengers. This was followed by an RDC coach and a third
RDC containing seats, an unused snack counter, and a small baggage room.
John and I selected seats in this car (# 6215) across the aisle from one
another which each had a vacant facing seat that was perfect for stretching
our legs. White River residents still refer to this as the Budd Car
Train, in deference to the Budd Company, manufacturer of these venerable cars.
These RDCs are the last ones in regularly scheduled service in Canada along
with those used on Vancouver Island service in British Columbia. They
show their advanced age yet the wingback seats, identical to those used on
VIA long distance coaches were comfortable. Shortly before our trip,
plans were announced to refurbish the RDCs and our conductor advised that
VIA had located retired RDCs in its yards that will be renovated for this
route. This will prevent service disruptions which would occur were
these cars to be pulled from service for updating.
Promptly at 9:00am train # 186 gently glided away from
the White River station along the historic route of Canadian Pacific's flagship
train, the Canadian. For almost two decades VIA Rail has run the Canadian
over the tracks of rival Canadian National, leaving the White River to Sudbury
train as one of few remaining VIA services on CP tracks. After 20 minutes
the rail line passed beneath Highway 17 at O'Brien and a westbound CP stack
train was waiting on a siding. This would be our last glimpse of Highway
17 until Sudbury as the railway takes a more direct routing passing through
a remote region comprised mostly of forests, lakes, and streams. Our
first stop, Amyot, appears on the Ontario map but not in the VIA timetable
as this train, like most remote services in Canada, makes flag stops almost
anywhere a passenger wants to go. This stop was made on an embankment
in deep woods, yet five or six men could be seen trackside unloading building
supplies from the baggage car. A small camp house was visible down
a dirt path through the woods that was marked with a "moose crossing" sign.
Insert pix # 5555, 5558, 5561 & 4556 here
Train # 186 prepares to depart White River, Ontario on
June 27, 2010
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This stream near O'Brien is typical of scenery visible
from VIA # 186
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Building supplies are unloaded from the baggage car at
Amyot, a remote stop east of White River
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Evidence that beavers have been working hard in this river
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At 10:15am we paused at Milepost 88 to detrain a family
of four. On Saturday a large group from Michigan boarded here after
a fishing expedition at one of three fishing camps in this isolated area.
With no roads within at least 30 miles, the train is the sole means of reaching
these camps. For the next 15 minutes the rails descended until reaching
Franz where we met another westbound CP stack train. Franz is the junction
with the Algoma Central Railway and in just over 24 hours John and I would
again cross this diamond heading northward. We noted nowhere to wait
should a person elect to transfer from one train to the other as only a
few homes were visible anywhere near the railway.
Insert pix # 5564 & 5570 here
A small beach along one of many lakes passed on our trip
to Sudbury
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Another lake seen from the right side of train # 186
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Departing Franz train # 186 made a steep climb en route
to Lochalsh, a stop that is popular with trappers due to its proximity to
the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve whose southern border paralleled the CP
for almost two hours. As if to welcome us to the preserve, two large
sand hill cranes swooped low over the train and settled to a landing beside
a lake. After meeting two more westbound CP freight trains, we arrived
at the crew change point, Chapleau, at 12:45pm. A half hour stop allowed
time to walk the platform, inspect one of the few station buildings left
on this route, and check out Canadian Pacific 2-8-2 steam engine # 5433 displayed
behind the depot. Once the new crew was aboard, the RDCs pulled forward
to a fuel rack to take on fuel before continuing the eastbound trek.
Insert pix # 5572, 5579, 5580, 5586, 5590 & 4557 here
Crossing Algoma Central Railway at Franz. Note there
are no facilities for passengers to transfer from one train to the other.
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A large lake east of Franz
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Rocks in many Ontario lakes are evidence of ancient glaciers
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The rear of our train at Chapleau
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A motorcar displayed outside the Chapleau station
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Canadian Pacific steam engine on display at Chapleau
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The afternoon journey featured more lakes, forests,
and streams, meets with more CP freight trains, and stops with interesting
names such as Sultan, Woman River, Metagama, and The Flume. By late
afternoon rock outcroppings signaled that we were truly in the Canadian Shield
where the land is dominated by rocks rather than trees. Soon we made
a 150 foot descent into Sudbury where train # 186 deposited 19 passengers
at a neat brick station that once hosted transcontinental passenger trains.
The present day Canadian stops at Sudbury Jct., located several miles north
of the city. As John and I climbed down from the rail diesel car, a
sense of accomplishment came over me as I had traveled over the entire VIA
Rail Canada system. Coincidentally my first VIA ride had been in a rail
diesel car on the Montreal to St. Foy (Quebec City) route that long ago left
the VIA system map. A post trip check of one of my log books revealed
that Christine and I made that December 30, 1981 trip in VIA RDC # 6215,
the very same car John and I rode from White River to Sudbury.
Insert pix # 5610, 5613, 4564, 4566, 5623, 5625 & 4569 here
The trip on this remote service is highly recommended
as it offers good scenery, a ride on comfortable antique rail diesel cars,
and provides insight into a rail service unlike anything seen in the United
States since the 1960s when local trains made dozens of flag stops.
The least complicated way to ride this route is to travel to Sudbury Jct.
aboard VIA Rail Canada's Canadian, spend a night in that city, and ride round
trip to White River. From the northern U.S. it is fairly easy to drive
to White River and make the round trip to Sudbury. The White River
Motel provides good lodging in its namesake community and offers transportation
to and from the railway station as well as a nearby float plane base where
fishermen can fly to remote fishing hotspots. Many people choose to
travel by train one way and fly the other and the motel can assist with this
itinerary. For train reservations call VIA Rail at (888)842-7245 or
visit www.viarail.ca. Information about the White River Motel can be
found at www.whiterivermotel.com. During the fall, a company named
Rail Travel Tours offers five day circle trips from Toronto that visit Sudbury
and White River and include a round trip on the VIA RDC as well as roundtrip
between Toronto and North Bay on Ontario Northland Railway's Northlander.
Our friend Rob Skelly met us at the Sudbury station
and gave us a brief tour of the city. Sudbury is a nickel mining center
and its rich mineral deposits attract geologists from around the world.
Many of these believe that a huge meteorite struck the area two billion years
ago causing the unique geological features. A popular museum, Dynamic
Earth, presents the geological story of this region and includes a mine tour
seven stories below the surface. The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum
in nearby Capreol (served by VIA Rail's Canadian) preserves early 1900s
railroading and includes CN steam engine
# 6077, a wooden caboose, snow plow, electric engines, and a railway superintendent's
home. The Science North Museum, which includes a planetarium and IMAX
theater, and the area's 300-plus small lakes and nearby Lake Huron coastline
are other popular places to visit. Many chain hotels that are popular
in the United States are located in Sudbury which would be convenient during
a layover between the Canadian and the train to White River.
Insert pix # 4571 & 4573 here
"The Big Nickel" marks the site of Dynamic Earth,
a popular science museum in Sudbury
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A Sudbury city view from atop the hill where Dynamic Earth
is located
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One of the great obstacles to making our itinerary work
was how we would get from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie to catch the next day's
Algoma Central train. Riding a Greyhound bus was one choice, but the schedule
in effect when we traveled would have provided a very close connection that
would be jeopardized if the train from White River were late. Renting
a car appeared the safest option but required a long taxi ride to the Sudbury
airport to pick up the car, a partly nocturnal drive after a long day on
the train, and finding a way to return the vehicle in Sault Ste. Marie.
As good timing had it, shortly before our trip Rob advised us that he had
a meeting in "The Soo" the next day and we were welcome to ride with him.
Good conversation, pleasant scenery before darkness fell, and the passage
of a Huron Central freight train made the trip seem far shorter than three
hours. Midway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie we stopped for
an excellent dinner at the Lake View Inn's restaurant in Blind River, located
on the shore of Lake Huron. Back in the mid-1960s we could have traveled
along this route aboard a Canadian Pacific rail diesel car.
The night was spent at Algoma's Water Tower Inn, a
charming business oriented hotel in Sault Ste. Marie. This hotel offers
tastefully decorated rooms, a swimming pool, fitness center, and a comfortable
layout that seems perfectly tailored to tourists and business travelers
alike. The hotel's location on the north side of the central business
district is a short drive to the railway station yet convenient for those
driving to or from White River or Sudbury.
Insert pix # 5626 here
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Algoma's Water Tower Inn offers Sault Ste. Marie's
best lodging
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The best known attraction in Sault Ste. Marie is Algoma
Central's Agawa Canyon Tour Train which takes riders on a beautiful day long
trip to Agawa Canyon and back. Though summer is popular, the autumn
leaves are the peak season for this train. Other local attractions
include tours of the Sault Locks that allow oceangoing ships to travel between
Lake Huron and Lake Superior, beaches on Lake Superior, numerous waterfalls,
St. Joseph Island, and several cultural centers. Sault Ste. Marie is
approximately six hours from Detroit and seven hours from Chicago by car and
one can reach its sister city of the same name on the U.S. side of the border
by Amtrak Thruway bus. From "The Soo" it is about a three hour drive
to either White River or Sudbury.
Algoma Central To Agawa Canyon and Hearst
The shuttle van from our hotel deposited us at the
Algoma Central station located in front of a shopping mall near downtown
Sault Ste. Marie early on the morning of Monday June 28. The hotel
provides regular courtesy transportation to the airport but, with advance
arrangements, we were able to arrange to be taken to the depot. The
six car Agawa Canyon Tour Train waited on a stub-end track in front of the
depot with F40 locomotives on either end for easy operation to the canyon
and return. Both of the former Amtrak engines and four of the coaches
wore the orange paint job of the Rio Grande Ski Train on which they previously
operated while the dining car and one coach were decked out in their original
stainless silver siding. The original Amtrak road numbers still were
barely visible on the back end of each engine; lead unit # 105 had been
Amtrak # 283 while the rear engine, ACR # 106, began life as Amtrak # 289.
Insert pix # 5633 & 5637 here
Algoma Central's Agawa Canyon Tour Train prepares to depart
Sault Ste. Marie
on June 28, 2010
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The rear of the tour train stands in front of downtown
Sault Ste. Marie
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Just before the scheduled 8:00am departure time, the
tour train eased out of the station and passed beneath the bridge we drove
across from the United States two days earlier. The Algoma Central
coach yards appeared a couple minutes later then we made our way to the dining
car for a hearty breakfast. The dining car offers a full menu of sit
down meals until late afternoon as well as takeout box lunches that can be
enjoyed at picnic grounds in the canyon. This particular diner, the
Silver Pheasant, has a rich history, having served in the Burlington Line's
equipment pool but not being picked up by Amtrak.
The Algoma Central Railway (ACR) was purchased by the
Wisconsin Central in the 1990s which, in turn, was taken over by Canadian
National in October 2001. Today passenger service on this Sault Ste.
Marie to Hearst line operates under the historic Algoma Central brand name
while freight service is operated by the CN. From early June to mid-October
the Agawa Canyon Tour Train allows one day round trips between Sault Ste.
Marie and Agawa Canyon where passengers are encouraged to detrain and explore
the environs. No intermediate passenger stops are made and there are
no overnight facilities in the canyon except for an ACR camp car that must
be reserved in advance. A tri-weekly all-stops passenger train operates
between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst; this train leaves the Sault Ste. Marie
yards about an hour behind the tour train. During winter months the
tour train is called The Snow Train which also runs to the canyon minus the
opportunity to detrain there.
A half hour into our journey, the tour train crossed
the Bellevue Valley on a 100 foot tall trestle and the view from the open
vestibule Dutch door was stunning as thick fog obscured everything except
the coach ahead of us. Passengers are not normally granted vestibule
privileges but John and I were given an exception to document the line for
our readers. Beyond the trestle the railway was perched upon a heavily
forested shelf above the Goulais River Valley below on our left. As
we crossed the Goulais River, Mount Searchmont appeared through the diminishing
fog on our right. The line soon took us through what is known as "Crown
Land", a wilderness area owned by the government and preserved for public
recreational use. Canada's roots linked to the British monarchy are
still evident in the use of terms such as Crown Land, Crown Corporation,
and the like to describe government involvement.
Insert pix # 5648 & 4590 here
Crossing the 100 foot tall trestle over Bellevue Valley,
the train appears headed into a foggy abyss
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Algoma Central's recently acquired ex-Rio Grande Ski Train
coaches still wear
their orange paint scheme
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The rail route continued to wind through forests and along
lakes as it passed between the many mountains that give the area its beauty.
Three hours into our journey, the tour train crossed the tall curved trestle
over the Montreal River that is featured in many publicity photos for the
Agawa Canyon Tour Train. While most eyes were glued to the right for
breathtaking views of the 130 foot tall trestle that stretches 1550 feet
long, observant passengers noted the power dam on the left which supplies
electricity to Sault Ste. Marie and vicinity. During the next 12 miles
the tracks would descend over 500 feet to the floor of Agawa Canyon.
During this stretch magnificent Lake Superior could also be seen below on
the left and we realized that our drive to White River had brought us within
five miles of the railway which was hidden among the hills. 225 foot
tall Bridal Veil Falls soon came into view and a couple minutes later the
train arrived at its canyon stop at 11:55am.
Insert pix # 4595, 4598, 4602, 4606, 4609 & 4626 here
The curved bridge over the Montreal River is featured
in Algoma Central publicity shots
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Continuing across the Montreal River
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A view upriver as the tour train crosses the Montreal
River
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Approaching Agawa Canyon
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Lake Superior seen from the train at 1600 foot elevation
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The Agawa River as the train arrives in Agawa Canyon
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There are numerous trails of varying degrees of difficulty
to hike in the canyon. Three of these reward hikers with close up views
of waterfalls while a fourth trail provides a strenuous climb of over 300
stairs to an observation deck that allows a bird's eye view of the canyon.
Picnic tables and picnic shelters are set among neatly manicured grounds near
the tracks beside along the Agawa River. After hiking to the falls,
John and I enjoyed the box lunches we had purchased from the dining car then
joined two other passengers in waiting for the ACR passenger train.
Insert pix # 4636, 4653, 4659, 4660, 5727, 5733, 5738 & 5742 here
A strenuous climb offered our photographer this view of the canyon.
Note the Agawa Canyon Tour Train beside the shelters in the right center
of the picture.
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South Black Bear Falls is accessible by a path near the railway
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Picnic areas invite passengers to enjoy the stop in Agawa
Canyon
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The railway maintains a welcoming setting in the canyon
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A former Amtrak F40 leads the tour train at Agawa Canyon
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The heritage of this Algoma Central coach is evident
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Dining car "Silver Pheasant" originally was operated by
the Burlington Lines
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F40 # 106 will lead the tour train on its southbound return
to Sault Ste. Marie
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Algoma Central sells an interesting combo package called
"Tour of the Line" which allows passengers to ride the tour train to Agawa
Canyon, explore the area for about an hour and a half, then board the regular
passenger train to Hearst. We elected this alternative to allow us
to experience the tour train's amenities including the dining car and gain
more than a passing glance at the magnificent Agawa Canyon. A regular
feature of this package allows passengers to check their luggage at the Sault
Ste. Marie station for transport to Hearst in the regular passenger train's
baggage car. This was very handy as it allowed us to be unencumbered
by suitcases at the canyon.
Insert pix # 5754 here
Algoma Central's local train arrives Agawa Canyon en route to Hearst
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As the tour train eased around a curve at the south
end of the canyon park, northbound ACR # 631, the scheduled passenger train,
came into view on the passing track. After loading its four new passengers,
# 631 resumed its northward trek at 1:35pm with F40 # 104 leading a baggage
car, two coaches, and a generator car. The coaches on this train were
clean and comfortable with nicely upholstered leg rest seats and large picture
windows. The design on the interior panels between the windows were
reminders of these cars' Santa Fe heritage.
Scenic views of the wild Agawa River were evident for
several miles with rock outcroppings, large hills, and lush forests escorting
us northward. At about 3:15pm the busy stop in Hawk Jct. boarded eight
passengers, many of whom loaded supplies and fishing gear into the baggage
car. The 10 minute stop provided enough time for a quick look inside
the station which houses historical photographs of the railway and adequate
time to take a few pictures of our train for our records. Of particular
interest to us was the generator car on the tail end of train # 631 as it
appeared to be a former Amtrak material handling car. This car was
recently refurbished at CN shops in Homewood, IL and has been painted in the
attractive Algoma Central livery with the words "Tracks of the Black Bear"
on its sides.
Insert pix # 5760, 5768, 5774, 5784, 5791, 5795 & 5797 here
Hawk Jct. used to be the point where a short branch
line to the town of Wawa diverged. This line has been abandoned as
highway access links these towns. After departing from the station
# 631 backed into a siding to allow a southbound CN freight train to pass;
this well executed meet delayed us only four minutes. An hour later
we crossed the Canadian Pacific transcontinental line at Franz. John
and I had traversed this same spot eastbound the prior day aboard the VIA
rail diesel car train and once more we noted that it was not a place where
one should attempt to change trains. Our conductor, Gary, a 40 year
veteran on the ACR, told us the story of a young couple who, years ago when
the Canadian ran on its traditional route, insisted on making the transfer
at Franz despite warnings that there was no station, no food, and no shelter.
Thankfully, a local family took them in until the Canadian arrived as the
wait would have been several hours.
Indeed on our trip, there was no business and # 631 did not stop at Franz.
Insert pix # 5803, 5808, 5819, 5825, 5830 & 5848 here
A southbound CN freight passes just north of the Hawk
Jct. depot
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The passenger train backed into this siding to allow the
CN freight to pass
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Remote river scenes escort train # 631 northward
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Rich forests and sparkling waters south of Franz
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Crossing the Canadian Pacific main at Franz. We
crossed this spot the prior day aboard VIA Rail Canada # 186. It is
not advisable to attempt a connection here.
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This distinctive indian logo dates to the Santa Fe heritage
of many Algoma Central coaches.
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Eight people did detrain 20 minutes later at Errington
Wilderness Camp and a portable ramp was attached to the baggage car doors
to facilitate the unloading of luggage, ice chests, and supplies. Several
small boats waited to transport these guests to a lodge across the adjacent
lake. Another interesting stop followed 10 minutes later at Oba Lake,
where a passenger stepped off the train right at her front door and unloaded
a large amount of provisions from the baggage car. Soon we crossed
a series of bridges over lakes where small fishing boats were engaging anglers
in late afternoon fishing outings.
Insert pix # 5851, 4670, 5856, 5861, 5868 & 4686 (called for and used later in next set) here
Baggage and supplies keep the baggage car busy on train
# 631
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Boats are lined up to take passengers to Errington's Wilderness
Island Resort
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At one stop, a passenger detrained right in front of her
house at Oba Lake
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Another scenic lake
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One of many fishing boats on lakes south of Oba
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Crossing a bridge between Oba Lake and Price
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At 6:15pm the ACR line gently curved to the left and
joined the Canadian National transcontinental main line at Oba. The
stop at Oba actually was at a street crossing where a pickup truck backed
up to the baggage car and unloaded the fishing gear, ice chest, and luggage
of a family from Kentucky who was on a northern Ontario fishing expedition.
No station was evident and, as we noted on last year's trip aboard the Canadian,
this would not be a good place to switch from one train to the other.
After discharging the family our train slowly snaked
its way through the Oba yard, emerging at the west end where the ACR line
again diverges from the CN. A CN freight that had left Sault Ste.
Marie in the early morning was finally caught at the far end of the Oba
yard, resulting in a brief delay as it backed down into the yard to clear
the way for # 631. The final hour of our all day trip took us through
farmlands and crossed rivers until towering stacks of logs, harvested from
the region's forests, signaled our entry into Hearst. Arrival in this
northern Ontario community of 5,600 residents came at 7:45pm, almost 12 hours
after we left Sault Ste. Marie. We were grateful to find Christine
waiting at trackside as the train came to a halt as she had driven remote
highways earlier in the day from White River to Hearst by way of Hornepayne.
Our lodging this night was at the Companion Motel, a comfortable property
whose parking lot backs up to the train's boarding/detraining point (there
is no station in Hearst).
Insert pix # 4686, 5891, 5895, 5897 & 5905 here
A ride on the Algoma Central is highly recommended
whether it is simply a round trip on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train or a trip
over the entire line. We found that the trip passed very quickly and
surprisingly without tedious stretches. It is possible to ride on
this line without making a round trip as Ontario Northland busses link Hearst
with Cochrane where one can catch a train to Toronto. The combo trip
that allows one to ride the tour train to the canyon then the passenger train
to Hearst is only available northbound and it is imperative to check schedules
closely since the tour train runs seasonally and the passenger train operates
tri-weekly. Southbound passengers can, of course, ride all the way
aboard the scheduled passenger train. It is not advisable to attempt
connections with VIA Rail at either Franz or Oba due to the total lack of
shelter, station facilities, or food. It is also well to come prepared
when riding the regular passenger train since no food or beverage service
is offered.
The Polar Bear Express To Moosonee
After a rare chance to sleep in the next morning, we
packed up and drove eastward to Cochrane. The weather was a combination
of nasty cold and rain with temperatures in the 40s and a steady rain making
it feel even cooler. Some of our fellow passengers from the Algoma
Central trip had boarded an Ontario Northland bus to Cochrane in the pre-dawn
hours to allow a connection to this day's Polar Bear Express train.
We were glad to be taking it a bit more methodically.
Midway in our three hour drive, we paused in Kapuskasing
to look at a preserved steam engine and old coaches that were used to transport
people (mostly of Ukranian descent) to an internment camp near this community
during World War I. After picking up lunch we spotted a westbound Ontario
Northland Railway (ONR) freight train bound from Cochrane to Hearst.
Passenger service once was operated on this route but was replaced by Ontario
Northland busses as the railway today is restricted to 10 mph operation.
Insert pix # 5906 & 5909 here
A World War I era train displayed at Kapuskasing
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A westbound ONR freight between Hearst and Cochrane
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We were welcomed to Cochrane by its notable polar bear
statue which I remembered seeing on a 1991 visit. On that trip I rode
an overnight VIA Rail Canada train from Montreal, spent the night, then rode
ONR's Northlander to Toronto. This time we would aim a bit farther
north and ride the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee. While our motel in
Hearst had been convenient to the railway, the Station Inn in Cochrane was
downright perfectly located. When I last visited in 1991, the two story
motel was under construction at the Cochrane station. Now, 19
years later, we would have the opportunity to experience this convenient accommodation.
The front desk was across the station waiting room from he ONR ticket office
which is perfect for passengers traveling by train to Toronto or Moosonee
as well as by bus from Hearst. Rooms in the Station Inn are clean and
comfortable and either offer a view of a preserved steam train on the north
side of the depot or the platform tracks to the south. The Station
Inn's restaurant proved an excellent choice for dinner while, for breakfast,
we made a quick visit to Tim Horton's, the iconic Canadian doughnut shop.
Insert pix # 5911, 5916, 5927 & 5931 here
Iconic welcome center statue in Cochrane
|
The Northlander arrives in Cochrane on a chilly, rainy
evening
|
The Northlander backs into the yard at Cochrane
|
This steam train stands outside the Cochrane station and
was visible from our second floor hotel room
|
The last day of June 2010 was a bit nicer than the
previous day though still on the cool and damp side. The Polar Bear
Express was already boarding when we came down from our room and we appreciated
this convenience. We located our pre-assigned seats in coach 856 and
were surprised to find the train filled with more local travelers than typical
tourists whom we had expected. In the winter ONR operates an all-stops
local mixed train known as the Little Bear. During summer the Polar
Bear Express takes on the role of tour train and local passenger train with
no distinction between the two very different types of clientele.
Equipment on the Polar Bear Express was a similar mixture
of both tour train cars and basic coaches. Five coaches contained assigned
seating, a regular dining car and a flat end observation dining car provided
sit down meal service, and a lounge car sold snacks and beverages.
Additionally, an entertainment/snack bar car housed a singer and another
place to relax and a full dome car named "Otter Rapids" was popular with
tourists but largely ignored by the native population. The heritage
of the observation-diner and the full dome provided the feel of classic American
railroading as the former served the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway while the
dome had been a Milwaukee Road "Super Dome". One of the coaches originally
belonged to the Norfolk & Western while others were former VIA dayniters
converted from original Canadian National sleepers.
Insert pix # 5948 here
|
Ontario Northland's "Otter Rapids", a former Milwaukee
Road Super Dome, offered a great view of the route from Cochrane to Moosonee
|
Leading the Polar Bear Express were two ONR GP-38 engines
followed by three flatcars loaded with passengers' automobiles and pickup
trucks. This service is the only means of transporting vehicles to
Moosonee which has no roads to the outside world. Vehicles are chained
down atop the open flatcars which are spotted at an unloading ramp shortly
after arrival at Moosonee or Cochrane. A box car hauling postal mail
followed the flats northward trailed by the passenger cars. A baggage
car, and FB unit used as a power generator, and two more box cars used for
baggage and express brought up the rear of the train. Indeed we were
riding a true mixed train.
Insert pix # 5959 here
|
Several vehicles are transported on flatcars behind
the engines on the Polar Bear Express
|
Forty minutes into our trip the Polar Bear made its
first stop at Wurtele which was merely a spot in the woods. At 10:15
we crossed a tall trestle over Trappers Creek, elevation 755 feet.
The view from the dome car was outstanding as the train passed through the
northern Ontario woodlands, frequently punctuated by lakes and rivers.
The wide Abitibi River was traversed at 10:30am and Red Sucker Creek 15 minutes
later. A southbound ONR freight train rolled by a few miles after this
and we noted a minivan atop a flatcar in its consist. Our stop in
Fraserdale marked the last highway we would cross until the local streets
of Moosonee over two hours later.
At high noon a large hydroelectric plant appeared on
the right at Otter Rapids while power lines on the left traveled northwestward
to remote diamond mines. It was time for lunch in the dining car and
we opted for the observation car where we were seated at a table right in
front of the end windows. This car operated in reverse on the northbound
trip so the observation windows looked forward toward the back of the mail
car. On the return trip we would have an unobstructed rear view as
this would be the last car. While John and I enjoyed roast beef sandwiches
for lunch, Christine enjoyed a meal from the breakfast menu, commenting that
this dining flexibility was a pleasant change.
Insert pix # 5963 here
A former Chesapeake & Ohio diner-observation car
serves lunch and dinner on the Polar Bear Express
|
During lunch the scenic highlight of the trip came
as we crossed a tall trestle over the wide Moose River at about 1:25pm.
Large stones and sand bars dotted the river making this an interesting crossing.
By 2:45pm the Polar Bear Express pulled into Moosonee where the sold out train
discharged over 200 passengers, many of whom proceeded to the baggage car
to unload their belongings. Beyond the notice of most passengers, the
duo of engines were busy switching the flatcars onto a siding where an unloading
ramp would permit transported vehicles to be delivered to their owners.
Insert pix # 5988, 5990 & 5991 here
Flatcars are switched at Moosonee to allow unloading of
vehicles
|
Dome car "Otter Rapids" at Moosonee
|
Brightly colored cars include the Polar Bear
Express logo in the lower right corner
|
Several travelers on a day excursion opted for informal
tours to nearby Moose Factory, located across the Moose River from
Moosonee. That outpost has historic roots in serving traders coming
from Hudson Bay into James Bay. Rather than that activity, we decided
to watch the switching operations at the station before taking a walk around
the town and eventually relaxing on a bench overlooking the river. Time
passed quickly and we returned to the station in time to watch southbound
passengers load their wares into the baggage car then found seats in the dome
car. Inside one of the box cars we noticed two used washing machines
that someone was transporting either for repair or trade-in. Another
passenger's German shepherd was loaded into the baggage car along with a variety
of coolers, boxes of groceries, and beverages. The Moosonee station
is staffed and has a climate controlled waiting room, the only such facility
north of Cochrane.
Insert pix # 6005, 6007, 6010 & 6016 here
Passengers load a variety of items in the baggage car
before the southbound departure from Moosonee
|
Box cars handle postal mail and checked express items
from Moosonee to Cochrane
|
The southbound Polar Bear Express awaits departure from
Moosonee via a bridge across Store Creek
|
Washing machines and clothes dryers are among the baggage
and express transported in one of the box cars aboard the Polar Bear Express
|
The Polar Bear Express departed Moosonee at 6:00pm
with another full passenger load, four flatcars loaded with vehicles, and
otherwise the same consist as on the northbound journey except with all
baggage and mail cars up front. As train pulled out, Store Creek (elevation
18 feet) was crossed on a timber trestle. Forty-five minutes later
we made our way to the rear of the train for dinner in the diner-observation
car. The view of the tracks receding behind the train was reminiscent
of childhood trips aboard observation cars on the Silver Meteor and City of
Miami though those trains did not offer dining in their rear cars. The
menu was varied but we all selected the chicken florentine with mashed potatoes,
mixed vegetables, and a roll. Dessert and beverage were included with
the meal and we each ordered a slice of tasty blueberry pie along with hot
tea. There was no hurry to vacate our table which allowed us to enjoy
the Moose River crossing at about 7:20pm. The late afternoon light
combined with the rear facing windows provided a different perspective of
the scenic river.
Insert pix # 6025 & 6033 here
Crossing the Moose River as seen from the observation
car
|
Otter Rapids Hydro Generating Plant
|
Back in the dome there was an interesting view as the
day slowly faded to night. Puffy clouds and blue skies turned to streaks
of orange that silhouetted the trees along the railway. Eventually
the last vestiges of dusk gave way to total blackness at about 10:30pm and
stars and planets dotted the heavens above. Our arrival back in Cochrane
was an hour late at 11:45pm and within a couple of minutes we were back in
our room at the Station Inn.
Heading To Toronto
Canada Day marked the start of our trip home as we
loaded up the van and Christine and I headed south on Highway 11.
We had put John on Ontario Northland's Northlander at 8:00am for the trip
south to Toronto. Having made that trip in 1991 made it easier to watch
the train pull out without me aboard. After spotting the train about
a 45 minute head start, we finally caught up at North Bay where we were able
to surprise John by standing on the platform as the three car train pulled
in.
Insert pix # 6050, 6060, 6065 & 6073 here
Cochrane depot with the Station Inn on the second floor
|
The southbound Northlander departs Cochrane on July 1,
2010. The depot and the Station Inn are at right.
|
Polar Bear logos are painted on the Cochrane station platform
|
The southbound Northlander arrives in North Bay.
The author and his wife surprised John who was riding the train to Toronto.
|
Our all day drive finally got us to Toronto by late
afternoon where we settled into our sizable suite at the stately Fairmont
Royal York Hotel. A phone call from the lobby surprised us as John
had arrived almost an hour early after his all day train trip. For
a report on John's trip aboard the Northlander, see his article Gem of the
North: Riding ONR's Northlander which can be accessed via the link at the
bottom of this story. We found dinner at Piper's Pub to be amazing and we
were delighted we had bypassed the urge to explore other area eateries.
Piper's is located on the lower level of the Royal York along a corridor that
connects the hotel to Toronto Union Station.
The suite was perfect for relaxing as it had ample
sofa and easy chair seating with beautiful furnishings. Outside our
window, 18 stories down, the westbound Canadian began its transcontinental
journey to Vancouver after 10:00pm. We could only imagine the anticipation
experienced by its passengers as the majestic streamliner set out on a voyage
across the vast Canadian countryside. No doubt, many were getting ready
to turn in for the night in their roomettes and bedrooms while others were
likely watching the city skyline from the dome cars.
Insert pix # 6087, 6090, 6096 & 6104 here
The lobby of the stately Fairmont Royal York where many
movies and television shows have been filmed. Recently, the TV series
"Covert Affairs" filmed a scene here.
|
Toronto Union Station as seen from the entrance to the Royal York
|
The Royal York as seen from the front of Toronto Union Station
|
The neon sign identifies the Royal York as seen from the
Union Station commuter platform
|
The Royal York was the tallest building, 29 floors,
in the British Empire when it opened in 1929. The hotel was constructed
by the Canadian Pacific Railway to serve its rail passengers with a convenient
luxury hotel across Front Street from Union Station. As such,
the Royal York was the flagship hotel for the Canadian Pacific as it ushered
in a series of magnificent hotels along its transcontinental railway.
The hotel's lobby is a work of art as it contains a hand painted ceiling,
ornate crystal chandeliers, wall hangings, and majestic pillars. Whether
housed in a standard room or a luxurious suite, guests will find a stay at
the Royal York a highlight of their travels. Marble floors and counters graced
the bathrooms in our suite and even the elevators were displayed an elegant
look.
The guest list over the Royal York's 81 years reads
like a political and entertainment Who's Who including such dignitaries as
Queen Elizabeth II, Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, and Henry Kissinger
and celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Perry Como,
William Shatner, Richard Gere, Ann Margaret, Wayne Gretzky, Gene Kelly, Christopher
Plummer, Cary Grant, Lloyd Bridges, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and
Dolly Parton. Famous directors including George Lucas and Francis Ford
Coppola have made this hotel their home while visiting Toronto. The
list goes on and on with over 40 million guests, the famous and not so famous,
registering at the Royal York. Scenes from a number of movies have
been filmed in various parts of the hotel through the years and the current
television series "Covert Affairs" has included many scenes shot in the hotel.
In short, the Royal York is THE place to stay in Toronto.
Back in the USA: Riding My Last Amtrak Route
An easy morning drive from Toronto to Dearborn, MI
positioned me to ride the last segment of Amtrak's national system that
had to date eluded me. The Dearborn station parking lot was packed
which indicated business is good on the route between Chicago and Detroit.
In reality only the Detroit to Pontiac segment would be new for us, however,
Dearborn was a more convenient boarding location. Once more John and
I would make this ride while Christine kindly drove to Pontiac to pick us
up.
Train # 350, the Wolverine, discharged a large crowd
at Dearborn after which we boarded and found the last two seats in the lead
Horizon fleet coach. Soon we decided to move to the Amfleet cafe car
one car forward for a better view of the route. The train had a P42
engine on each end since there are no turning facilities adjacent to the
Pontiac station. The Amcafe and four Horizon coaches provided approximately
300 seats and were mostly filled to capacity.
Insert pix # 6124 here
The eastbound Wolverine pulls into Dearborn
|
Our 2:07pm departure from Dearborn was over 30 minutes
late though a few minutes were shaved off that deficit at each station.
We met a CP freight near West Detroit then an opposing CN freight near Vinewood
after bearing off from the line that headed toward central Detroit.
Just beyond the Detroit Amtrak station, the Wolverine branched off to a northwesterly
route at CN's Milwaukee Jct. For most of the short trip, the railroad
passed industrial sections, rail yards, houses, and businesses. The
latter were most prevalent near our next busy stop, the upscale suburb of
Royal Oak. Seven minutes after that stop, the Wolverine paused again
and detrained a good crowd at Birmingham. Beyond that community we
zipped past a golf course and a rural area that was quite different from the
rest of the route. Arrival in Pontiac came at 3:12pm, only 5 minutes
late; indeed the schedule had been well padded.
No marching bands were there to greet us. No
mayor waited to offer the key to the city. Even my wife was nowhere
to be found as traffic and a confused GPS unit had held her up. It
didn't matter as I was ecstatic to have finally ridden every mile currently
traversed by Amtrak trains. We were glad to not have to wait for the
return train 2 1/2 hours later as there was no Amtrak station, only a modular
Greyhound station across the parking lot from the train platform.
Insert pix # 6127 here
|
The author happily celebrates riding his last missing
piece of the Amtrak system as he stands by the Wolverine
at Pontiac
|
Our lodging selection for the night, the Dearborn Inn,
was a charming property opened by Henry Ford in 1931 to provide quality lodging
near the Ford Airport (which closed two years later) and his vehicle design
and assembly plants. The Georgian style inn features an Early American
decor in its lobby, public rooms, and guest rooms and is located on a 23
acre site. The inn bears a striking resemblance to some of the colonial
inns and lodges in Williamsburg, VA right down to the beautifully landscaped
grounds that surround the property. The back lawn behind the inn includes
a gazebo and several small guest cottages resembling the homes of notable
Americans such as Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, and Patrick Henry are available
as guest lodging. Contemporary conveniences including wireless Internet
access and a large swimming pool keep the inn in step with the times.
Since 1989 the Dearborn Inn has been operated by Marriott Hotels.
Insert pix # 6225, 6230 & 6231 here
The Dearborn Inn, built by Henry Ford, is a terrific property
convenient to Amtrak and area attractions
|
Manicured grounds make the Dearborn Inn an appealing place
to relax
|
Homes behind the Dearborn Inn replicate famous American's residences
|
Among the notable guests to have stayed at the Dearborn
Inn are Orville Wright, Ronald Reagan, Bette Davis, Jesse Owens, James Doolittle,
Charles Lindbergh, Bob Hope, Norman Rockwell, and Walt Disney. This
inn is located right down the street from Dearborn's number one attraction,
The Henry Ford Museum and the extremely popular Greenfield Village.
The Amtrak station is just a short drive from the Dearborn Inn, making it
an excellent place to combine with a rail trip.
The Henry Ford, as locals call it, houses an incredible
collection of Americana, from a round aluminum house that in the 1950s was
thought to be the home of the future, to steam engines and rail cars from
a number of large and small railroads. The bus in which Rosa Parks
refused to give up her seat is a major piece of the collection as is the limousine
in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. From the aviation
world, a classic DC-3 plane hangs from the ceiling while nearby easily recognizable
original Holiday Inn and McDonald's signs flash their neon. All told
there are enough items to view that one could easily spend a half day inside.
Insert pix # 6239, 6250, 6259 & 6261 here
This combination mower/thresher/reaper, displayed at the
Henry Ford Museum, looks like a steam locomotive
|
The Henry Ford Museum collection includes the limousine
in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated
|
A C&O steam locomotive is part of the collection at the Henry Ford Museum
|
Antique rail equipment, automobiles, and aircraft are part of the
display at the Henry Ford Museum
|
Another major attraction, Greenfield Village, stands
directly behind the Henry Ford Museum and is part of the same complex.
Greenfield Village recreates an early 1900s community complete with antique
cars and busses that drive along the streets of the town. Costumed
interpreters play the role of period politicians, ice cream vendors, and
even Orville and Wilbur Wright. Shops, churches, a railway depot, farmhouses,
and other structures give Greenfield Village an authentic feel. A steam
engine hustles open passenger cars around the village much to the delight
of children who have never stepped aboard a train. At the rear of the
village, the main line that hosts Amtrak's Chicago to Detroit to Pontiac
trains is clearly visible and there is even an Amtrak platform though trains
only stop for groups with prior reservations.
Insert pix # 6273, 6274, 6276, 6283 & 6293 here
Our other major activity in the area was an evening
major league baseball game at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.
This new stadium is an excellent place to see a game with good visibility
from the seats and a pleasing environment. The Seattle Mariners were
in town the night we attended and Tiger fans were in full force to support
their team to victory. Following the game we enjoyed Friday night fireworks
at the stadium and watching the display from our comfortable stadium seats
close to the action was a unique experience. Travel time from our hotel
to the stadium was about 20 minutes, not bad for a major city on a Friday
night.
Insert pix # 6141, 6165, 6167, 6175 & 6221 here (after paragraph ending
in "Friday night")
Dayton: Aviation Central
The drive to Dayton was easy after our morning visit
to the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village and we found the Hilton Garden
Inn in Dayton's Beaver Creek suburb to be an attractive property.
The look of the hotel and the newness of the businesses close by made it
apparent that this was a recently built property. With many restaurants
and stores nearby, this was another convenient place to stay. Our room
was spacious and the indoor pool was a plus after a busy travel week.
Insert pix # 6300, 6307, 6309 & 6311 here
Hilton Garden Inn in the Beaver Creek suburb of Dayton
|
The Dayton Dragons battle the Great Lakes Loons
|
Dayton Dragons games are popular in central Ohio
|
The Dragons battle Great Lakes at Fifth Third Field
|
During the evening we drove downtown to attend a Class
A minor league baseball game between the Dayton Dragons and Great Lakes Loons.
While minor league baseball was very popular everywhere we went, the sell
out crowd at Fifth Third Field in the center of downtown was the largest
of our trip. Like most stadiums, this one had its own unique character
and we enjoyed the many between innings promotions and contests that kept
the crowd engaged. As we departed the downtown area we saw a passing
freight train which evoked thoughts of the oft-proposed 3-C corridor that
would link Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati by rail, most likely via
Dayton.
The following morning we visited the National Museum
of the United States Air Force located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base,
a short drive from our hotel. This huge facility houses an incredible variety
of aircraft including bombers from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean
War, and more recent conflicts. Memorabilia from USO shows performed
through the years for the troops are displayed, with jackets and a golf club
used by Bob Hope the most recognizable items. By arriving early it
was possible to register for a visit to a hangar housing several aircraft
that were designated Air Force One for presidential use through the years.
The star of this show was the Boeing 707 jet that carried President John F.
Kennedy to Dallas then ferried his body home on a fateful November 1963 trip.
His successor, Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in aboard this aircraft.
Visitors were allowed to walk inside this historic airplane and it was chilling
to realize the historical significance of this jet. For me, this brought
things full circle as I had stood behind the rope line beside this plane
in Miami just before JFK flew to Dallas.
Insert pix # 6342 & 6371 here
This Air Force One jet served through the Clinton presidency.
It is most noted for transporting JFK's body back to Washington after his
assassination in Dallas in 1963. Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in aboard
this aircraft at the Dallas airport.
|
A variety of military aircraft are housed in the USAF
Museum in Dayton
|
Fourth of July in Louisville
Independence Day 2010 was spent making the short drive
to Louisville after our visit to the Air Force museum in Dayton. Our
first activity in Louisville was an afternoon at Churchill Downs, home of
the Kentucky Derby. Like so many other sights along our trip, the famous
twin-spired racetrack, which opened in 1875, is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. July 4th was the last day of horse racing at Churchill
Downs during the 2010 spring meet. We enjoyed watching several races
including one in which 2009 Kentucky Derby winner "Mine That Bird" entered
his first race at Churchill Downs since that victory. Watching horse
races from box seats in the grandstand was exciting as we were able to take
in the entire race experience then relax in the air conditioned clubhouse
between races with a stop by the paddock to see the horses up close.
Adjacent to the track was the Kentucky Derby Museum which preserves Derby
history in the form of trophies, photos, and memorabilia from that race's
long and storied history.
Insert pix # 4835, 4860, 6418, 6421 & 4877 here
During the evening we enjoyed a leisurely trip on the
Ohio River aboard the paddlewheel boat "Belle of Louisville". The magnificent
paddlewheeler was built in 1914 as the "Idlewild" and spent several years
in ferry service out of Memphis. During the 1920s and early '30s she
regularly traversed the Ohio, Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers.
In the late 1940s she was sold and renamed "Avalon" and she served ports
from Omaha to Nashville to Montgomery, WV. By 1962 she had fallen in
disrepair and was auctioned off. Her new owners refurbished the steamer
and the next year she debuted in excursion service as the "Belle of Louisville"
based in her namesake city. Today the Belle is recognized as the oldest
operating steamboat in America and she also is listed as a National Historic
Landmark.
Our two and one-half hour cruise took us up the Ohio,
passing beneath several highway and railroad bridges then anchored in mid-river
for a 10:00pm fireworks show. The display was outstanding as the fireworks
were launched from a barge in the river with the bridges and city skyline
framing the scene. The Belle of Louisville offers various sightseeing
cruises on the Ohio River with many including food and beverage service.
Information can be located at: www.belleoflouisville.org.
Insert pix # 6455, 6526 & 6530 here
Passing beneath bridges at Louisville as the Belle of
Louisville cruises up the Ohio River
|
Fireworks on Independence Day 2010 as the Belle of Louisville
is anchored in the Ohio River
|
Paddlewheeler "Belle of Louisville"
|
The Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Louisville was
our lodging on this evening and it proved to be a good choice as it was
a short walk from the boat dock, a 10 minute drive from Churchill Downs,
and close to the next morning's destination: the Louisville Slugger Museum.
As with our previous hotels, a good night's sleep was enabled by our quiet
room which was a few floors above the city streets.
The following morning we drove a few blocks to the
Louisville Slugger Museum, home of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat factory.
Outside the museum, a 120 foot tall replica baseball bat leaves no doubt about
what's inside. As soon as we stepped into the museum, we were invited
to hold a baseball bat used by Mickey Mantle during games. Of course,
before taking hold of the bat, we were given cotton gloves to protect the
bat. Several significant pieces of baseball history were displayed
for visitors then a fascinating tour of the Louisville Slugger factory followed.
There we learned about and observed the making of wooden baseball bats, most
of which are used by major league players. This interesting tour is
a must-see during a visit to Louisville and can easily be fit in with most
itineraries.
Insert pix # 6532, 4895 & 4894 here
Louisville Slugger Museum
|
John Turner poses with a bat used by Mickey Mantle
|
The author is thrilled to hold the bat of his childhood hero
|
On our way out of town we drove past the former Louisville
& Nashville Railroad headquarters a few blocks south of the Louisville
Slugger Museum. Just west of that building we passed the grand former
Louisville Union Station, a stately limestone building that opened in 1891.
This station once hosted trains such as the PRR/L&N/ ACL Chicago to Florida
South Wind, L&N's Cincinnati to New Orleans Humming Bird and Pan American,
Monon's Chicago to Louisville Thoroughbred, and C&O's Louisville section
of the George Washington from Washington, DC and Newport News, VA.
Amtrak served the station during the 1970s with its Chicago to Florida Floridian
and outfitted a track on the station's west side for its Kentucky Cardinal
in the early 2000s.
Insert pix # 6542 & 6543 here
L&N Railroad headquarters
|
Louisville Union Station
|
The Homeward Leg
Following our morning tour of the Louisville Slugger
Museum and drive past Union Station, we drove southward to Mammoth Cave
National Park. This park offers a variety of walking tours of the complex
underground cave system which includes 367 miles of passageways that reach
as deep as 105 feet below the surface. Refreshing cool air can be
felt several feet before one reaches one of the cave entrances as the subterranean
temperature is a fairly constant 54 degrees.
After our visit to Mammoth Cave, we motored south to
an outskirt of Chattanooga, TN where we spent the night at Homewood Suites.
This pleasantly decorated hotel contains spacious suites and is convenient
to many chain restaurants. One of our favorites, Sticky Fingers BBQ,
was just across the interstate from our hotel and we enjoyed the final dinner
of our journey. The next morning we made a smooth 6 hour drive home
to Florida where we would anticipate our next rail travels.
Insert pix # 6571 & 6574 here
Mammoth Cave
|
Homewood Suites, Chattanooga, TN
|
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Highway 17 crosses one of many rivers along the route
to White River
VIA Rail Canada RDCs arrive in White River on June 26,
2010 after an all-day trek from Sudbury
White River Motel offers clean comfortable lodging and
courtesy transportation to the VIA Rail Canada station
A small beach along one of many lakes passed on our trip
to Sudbury
Another lake seen from the right side of train # 186
Crossing Algoma Central Railway at Franz. Note there
are no facilities for passengers to transfer from one train to the other.
A large lake east of Franz
Rocks in many Ontario lakes are evidence of ancient glaciers
The rear of our train at Chapleau
A motorcar displayed outside the Chapleau station
Canadian Pacific steam engine on display at Chapleau
John enjoys ample legroom aboard our RDC
A picnic table and sign comprise this remote stop
Approaching Sudbury
The railway depot at Sudbury
"The Big Nickel" marks the site of Dynamic Earth,
a popular science museum in Sudbury
A Sudbury city view from atop the hill where Dynamic Earth
is located
Algoma Central's Agawa Canyon Tour Train prepares to depart
Sault Ste. Marie 
The rear of the tour train stands in front of downtown
Sault Ste. Marie
Crossing the 100 foot tall trestle over Bellevue Valley,
the train appears headed into a foggy abyss
Algoma Central's recently acquired ex-Rio Grande Ski Train
coaches still wear
The curved bridge over the Montreal River is featured
in Algoma Central publicity shots
Continuing across the Montreal River
A view upriver as the tour train crosses the Montreal
River
Approaching Agawa Canyon
Lake Superior seen from the train at 1600 foot elevation
The Agawa River as the train arrives in Agawa Canyon
A former Amtrak F40 leads the tour train at Agawa Canyon
The heritage of this Algoma Central coach is evident
Dining car "Silver Pheasant" originally was operated by
the Burlington Lines
F40 # 106 will lead the tour train on its southbound return
to Sault Ste. Marie
The Agawa River near the north end of the canyon
The route from Agawa Canyon to Hearst provides many scenic
views
Crossing a trestle over the Agawa River
The Agawa River south of Sand Lake
The baggage car is busy at Hawk Jct.
The power generator car appears to be a former Amtrak
material handling car
A southbound CN freight passes just north of the Hawk
Jct. depot
The passenger train backed into this siding to allow the
CN freight to pass
Remote river scenes escort train # 631 northward
Rich forests and sparkling waters south of Franz
Crossing the Canadian Pacific main at Franz. We
crossed this spot the prior day aboard VIA Rail Canada # 186. It is
not advisable to attempt a connection here.
This distinctive indian logo dates to the Santa Fe heritage
of many Algoma Central coaches.
Baggage and supplies keep the baggage car busy on train
# 631
Boats are lined up to take passengers to Errington's Wilderness
Island Resort
At one stop, a passenger detrained right in front of her
house at Oba Lake
Another scenic lake 
One of many fishing boats on lakes south of Oba
Crossing a bridge between Oba Lake and Price
A World War I era train displayed at Kapuskasing
A westbound ONR freight between Hearst and Cochrane
Iconic welcome center statue in Cochrane
The Northlander arrives in Cochrane on a chilly, rainy
evening
The Northlander backs into the yard at Cochrane
This steam train stands outside the Cochrane station and
was visible from our second floor hotel room
Flatcars are switched at Moosonee to allow unloading of
vehicles
Dome car "Otter Rapids" at Moosonee
Passengers load a variety of items in the baggage car
before the southbound departure from Moosonee
Box cars handle postal mail and checked express items
from Moosonee to Cochrane
The southbound Polar Bear Express awaits departure from
Moosonee via a bridge across Store Creek
Washing machines and clothes dryers are among the baggage
and express transported in one of the box cars aboard the Polar Bear Express
Crossing the Moose River as seen from the observation
car
Otter Rapids Hydro Generating Plant
Cochrane depot with the Station Inn on the second floor
The southbound Northlander departs Cochrane on July 1,
2010. The depot and the Station Inn are at right.
Polar Bear logos are painted on the Cochrane station platform
The southbound Northlander arrives in North Bay.
The author and his wife surprised John who was riding the train to Toronto.
The Dearborn Inn, built by Henry Ford, is a terrific property
convenient to Amtrak and area attractions
Manicured grounds make the Dearborn Inn an appealing place
to relax
Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan
Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan
Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan
The steam train approaches the station at Greenfield Village
The Detroit Tigers battle the Seattle Mariners at Comerica
Park in Detroit
Comerica Park is a great place to watch a baseball game
Detroit Tigers games are popular with fans throughout
Michigan
Hilton Garden Inn in the Beaver Creek suburb of Dayton
The Dayton Dragons battle the Great Lakes Loons
Dayton Dragons games are popular in central Ohio
The Dragons battle Great Lakes at Fifth Third Field
This Air Force One jet served through the Clinton presidency.
It is most noted for transporting JFK's body back to Washington after his
assassination in Dallas in 1963. Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in aboard
this aircraft at the Dallas airport.
A variety of military aircraft are housed in the USAF
Museum in Dayton
The Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
A close race at Churchill Downs
The famed twin spires of Churchill Downs
The stretch run of a race at Churchill Downs on July 4,
2010
Passing beneath bridges at Louisville as the Belle of
Louisville cruises up the Ohio River
Fireworks on Independence Day 2010 as the Belle of Louisville
is anchored in the Ohio River
Louisville Slugger Museum
L&N Railroad headquarters
Louisville Union Station
