...as she glides along the woodlands, o'er the hills and by the shore... Went out to Cresson, PA to see "Big Boy" the largest operating steam locamotive make a relatively short stop. This was after a week of screwups. Heck on the way there I got pulled over for speeding, apparently I passed a state trooper obliviously, but he let me go, almost apologetic, "what was i supposed to do"? Very strange, Haven't been pulled over in say 40 years and already twice this year. In a perfect world (well in a real perfect world I would have gotten a $20 ticket for the horseshoe curve outside Altoona PA) I would have hit the tour in Duncannon PA on Tuesday - only a two hour drive and could finish an eight mile section of the AT that I've been thinking about for a long time - but my brother wanted to get some papers signed with his usual bad timing. So, kind of my last chance w/a 2:45 hr drive to get there before the tour gets really out of range, decided this was a once in a lifetime chance and got there in time. Pretty cool to see the wheels turn and see it moving. It really does bring a tear to your eye, no reason to overthink it, just the kid in you. Had the perfect picture lined up too except I managed to fumble it. Sort of a lower gully along side the track so you're looking up a bit at front 1/4 view of the 4014 w/blue skies and puffy white clouds as a background and some engineer hanging out the window like he was Johnny Cash. ...hear the mighty rush of the engine, the hobo's lonesome call you're travelling through the jungle on the Wabash Cannonball🎵 Drove back through the horseshoe and while out there availed myself of the opportunity cost and did a little hiking in the obscure Trough Creek state park. PS That horn is mighty loud close up. PPS Note the drive wheels slip twice going up the hill. ** Edited by `lag at 7/12/2026, 9:24:27 AM