At the
last stop and run by, we pulled up to an old wye track which
lacked certain essential elements such as switch stands. There
was also an out of service passing track, so this
train was either going to back up or find a serviceable passing
track.
They shoved the train about 2 miles
to the suitable
location, stopped, disconnected and reconnected the engine. We,
on the other hand stayed in our seats enjoying one another's
company. Other railfans did exit to try for that impossible
reflection shot of the locomotive going by. Eventually, our
conversation reached the point of Seinfeldesque with the subject of
doughnuts and other important railway matters such as expert commentary
on the
spectacle going on outside our parked train car.
Soon, the train
moved forward again pulled by the Geep and we reached the Oakdale
depot at 2 PM. Few people complained about this except for
the nearby passenger who had a plane reservation to Southern California
which was going to be a close call. We had driven, so we simply
left. The views provided by this ride on the Sierra Railroad are
mostly bucolic farmland in rural central California. Springtime
is a wonderful time visit the Oakdale area as everything is
green. A pretty train, the scenic country and good company all
add up to a fantastic experience.
Want to ride on the Sierra Railroad? Just click here. The Sierra
Railroad has a full calendar of trains to suit many tastes from dinner
to rail and rafting. The food was good which means the prospect
of a return trip is good. Thanks Sierra Railroad!
