Amazingly, there is agriculture in
this desert. This area of San
Bernardino County sits over a large underground acquifer. A well
provided the 3751 with much needed water.
Below left, shows the Arizona & California Railroad tracks which
split off the BNSF Railway at Cadiz. As part of my research for
this project, I found old 7.5 minute topographic maps which show this
track used to belong to the AT&SF.
With not much else to do, I spent some time in the Overland Trail
lounge car. The lovely girls working here suggested I have a cold
coffee drink. I took it to the Zimmerman car and Dave asked me
"where did you get that?" My immediate answer was right over
there in the Overland Trail. This was the beginning of a running
joke that I would get these drinks and wander throught the train trying
to get business for Christie and Nan. When people would ask me
about the drink, I would often answer that it was available at
the rolling coffee house on Overland Trail. Over the course of
the trip, I think I had about six or eight of these things.
Recipe please? Dave engaged Overland Trail owner Bill
Hatrick in a conversation about rail car history.
It was unknown to most aboard the train how long this stop would
be. Part of the puzzle was an incoming A & C freight
train. 30 to 45 minutes after our arrival, the A & C showed
up.
Their locomotive power had various color schemes from old owners.
The lead locomotive was
yellow, likely formerly UP. The second one was ex Florida East
Coast.
Out the left side of the GCL, BNSF provided ample entertainment with
lots of freight action.
We finally entered the A & C. The GCL pulled forward
and moved for a minute or two and then stopped.
