Steam Engines

May 4^th a large crowd gathered near Tie Siding, WY to see the UP Steam Engines pass by. 

One of the largest steam engines to ever operate, UP 4014 “Big Boy” sat on display for 60 years until being brought back to Cheyenne to the Union Pacific Steam Shop. The UP has been operating UP 844 for awhile. Both were in the train.

https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/

When it was brought back I was at Tie Siding to see it pass. Yeah, I’m a fanboy. I’ll be there again May 17^th when the double head comes back from the 150^th Golden Spike Celebration in Ogden, UT.

We were just a small part of the thousands who gathered along the route. One couple had come from Maine.

It is coming.

It is here.

It is gone.

Three minute experience. Now to get back to the paved highway.

I waited for about thirty minutes to let most of the crowd leave. While leaving I saw zero trash and litter. Good people, rail fans.

Best news? It wasn’t snowing.

UP 4014

After sitting idle for 60 ears, the UP Steam Shop has her up and running. What a feat!

Leaving in a few minutes for Wyoming where I hope to see the double head 4014 and 844 pass by.

Steam II

Fools, and Damn Fools

My former employer of many years was a professional bull rider from the time he was in high school. Had a college rodeo scholarship. Wives, ex wives, several children, and multiple businesses interfered so he had gaps in his pursuit. He wasn’t championship level. In baseball terms he was Triple A.
We recently encountered him as a spectator at a bull riding event and remarked on how fit he looked. The remarks pleased him and he told us of his plan to get back into riding bulls.

At his first comeback event, he cracked two ribs. Undeterred, he rode in an event Friday.

This is the result.

This might slow him down. However, back in the day, with his right arm and shoulder in a cast, he drove a stick shift Subaru from Albuquerque to Mesquite, TX to make the next event.

My sister’s companion still wants to ride at 50+. When I first met him, my response was anyone crazy enough to keep riding bulls was probably crazy enough to date my sister.

These bull riders just don’t quit. I admit to being a well seasoned fool. I deny being a damn fool. Wonder how I keep ending up around them?

On a different topic, this picture was taken in my town today.