Scenes from the Explorer Platform along the Pacific Coast

Scenes from the Platform along the Pacific Coast

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between Vandenburg Air Force Base and the coast. Hwy. 101 cuts inside the base and drivers on that highway do not see these views beautiful. The only living things are grasses, trees, hawks and cattle on the land side, and sea birds , kelp, oil derricks, boats, and an occasional whale on the sea side.

Notice, since there are no windows on the platform, none of the shots have reflections in them...just your camera and the subject...nothing in between!

Vandenburg Air Force Base

While waiting on a siding for southbound Coast Starlight, we had quiet time to discuss the rail business with Jack and I had a chance to ask some 'stupid questions.' He never laughed at my questions and always, like a good teacher, explained it is laymen's terms.

Downstairs ADA bathroom.

Steve Grande, Ray Burns, and Shelton
Barber, Conductor who left us at San Luis Obispo.

Shelton, our Conductor on the Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo leg of this journey, usually works on the Southwest Chief which runs from Los Angeles to Chicago. It runs through our home station, Fullerton, so we'll have to watch for him when we are at the station. He sometimes works the Coast Starlight which runs this exact route.

Changing crews at San Luis Obispo station, then moving on north at dusk.