It took quite a bit of work but my plan to reach 1.5 million rail miles on September 9th, 2017 came together.
My final plan, which proved everything worked out if you let it. That day dawned and I had not ridden for a week so as to be able to celebrate with my friends today. Elizabeth flew down the previous evening from Lynnwood, Washington especially for this event, which coincided with the re-launch of B.C. Electric interurban 1304 at the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway in Cloverdale, British Columbia. She was, and still is, a volunteer with that group and if it had not been for my 1.5 million rail miles, she would have been there.
I awoke, excited that this day had finally arrived, and made us breakfast then we drove to the station early so we could distribute event T-shirts to those friends who were accompanying me.
Pacific Surfliner 1761 on its way to San Luis Obispo this morning.
Members of our group. After several photographs had been taken, I walked toward the tracks, saw a headlight approaching and motioned to the group to follow me to the platform.
Pacific Surfliner 562 arrived and the engineer spotted the door of the cab car in front of me. We entered and chose seats on the upper level to enjoy the ride to Solana Beach.
Carl Morrison, a fellow Trainweb.com writer.
David Aten.
My good friend Chris Parker.
Robin Bowers, another Trainweb.com writer and Arnold James, known as AJ.
Mike Kimura.
Bill Compton, who joined me on several railfan trips over the years.
My honourary sister, Elizabeth Alkire.
The group on Pacific Surfliner 562.
Me and my reflection. The train made the regular stops at Irvine and San Juan Capistrano but unlike normal trips, we met Pacific Surfliner 763, which happened to be ten minutes late.
San Clemente Pier on an overcast morning. We continued to Oceanside and took Track 2 into the station then after the stop and meet with Pacific Surfliner 565, we crossed over to get out of the way of Metrolink 661, which was waiting south of the block for us to leave. It was a fast journey the rest of the way to Solana Beach, where upon arrival, I was now at 1,499,933.4 rail miles and only needed the 66.6 miles back to Santa Ana to complete my goal. Carl then had an idea for a photograph so I set it up.
The group on Track 1 under the shelter that says Solana Beach Station above. We went into the station and I gave Cathy, the station agent, a T-shirt for all the hard work she had done for me over my years of train riding, then we all crossed the bridge to Track 2 with most taking the elevator but a few walked and took the stairs.
The group on the stairs leading to Track 2.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner 1567 bound for Los Angeles.
My 1.5 million mile ticket which Conductor CJ scanned, as well as all of our group's Pacific Business Class tickets from Solana Beach to Santa Ana.
The author and Conductor CJ. This train met Coaster 680 at CP Swami then made the Coaster stops at Encintas, Carlsbad Poinsettia, Carlsbad Village and on into Oceanside, where we gained one more person to our group.
Metrolink conductor Henry Valent joined us.
Our complete group now on the way to Santa Ana. We met Metrolink 857 at CP Songs, Pacific Surfliner 1566 at CP Serra and stopped at San Juan Capistrano before meeting Metrolink 660 on the fly before Irvine, then for some unknown reason, crossed over at CP Tinkham and ran Main 2 the rest of the way to Santa Ana.
1.5 million rail miles was completed as I stepped off Pacific Surfliner 1567, which was ten years and five months after my million rail miles. Note we coloured my index finger black to represent the point in 1.5 million.
Conductor CJ presenting me with a plaque.
Conductor CJ highballs Pacific Surfliner 1567 for Los Angeles.
My two wonderful Santa Ana Amtrak agents, Irma and Cathy, were in full swing of the celebration this morning. I thanked both of them for all their efforts and assistance they provided over many years.
Pacific Surfliner 1567 on the way toLos Angeles, and later I would start my quest for 2 million rail miles. Thank you to A.J., Bill, Carl, Chris Parker, David, Elizabeth, Henry, Mike and Robin for joing me on this special day and let us do it again at my next milestone!
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