4/3/2011 I awoke at the Best Western and after preparing myself for the day, obtained ice for my cooler and went to have breakfast. Back in the room, I set up the story for today then checked out and walked back to the Amtrak station where I met many of my train-riding friends as we waited to board. The train was taken to be wyed after San Joaquin 701 left for Sacramento. A BNSF freight caused a delay getting the train back to the station but after a while. we heard a horn.
Our train returned to the Bakersfield station. After the Pacific Railroad Society staff loaded the boxed lunches, we were then boarded and departed at 9:05 AM, heading east.
We left station and headed out onto the BNSF mainline for the trip to Kern Jct and our connection to the Union Pacific. I walked forward to the "Pony Express".
Heading to Kern Jct.
Our train arrived and stopped to let our BNSF pilot crew off and our Union Pacific pilot crew on.
The Union Pacific crew on their way to the engine.
Our Amtrak crew walks to the front for a crew briefing.
We soon departed Kern Jct for points railroad wise east.
A Union Pacific freight waits to follow us east.
The signal bridge at the east end of the Bakersfield Union Pacific Yard.
In this picture you can see the gap through which the Kern River flows.
The train rolled east through Edison.
An oil well and a vineyard.
Views along our route.
The vineyard was being watered this morning.
The signal bridge before Sandcut.
The train went through Sandcut and down the short hill.
Rolling east to the end of double track at Bena.
Caliente Creek was running pretty well this morning. Next the train ran through "The Narrows".
The trip through "The Narrows".
Rolling through Caliente and around the horseshoe curve.
Two views looking up towards Cliff siding up on the hill.
Climbing towards Tunnel 1.
The train had reached the Tunnel 1.
The rear of the train.
Where we will be in a few minutes.
About to enter Tunnel 2.
A green signal for us at Bealville.
Our train climbed the grade at Bealville.
We went through Tunnel 3 and by the remains of Tunnel 4.
The rear of the train came out of Tunnel 3.
Proceedidng to Tunnel 5.
