Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cass Scenic Railroad, Cass, West VA

On Sept, 16, 2011,  we had a wonderful day taking a  4 1/2 hour train ride  WAY up the mountain to Bald Knob, at over 4700 feet in elevation.  The Cass Scenic Railroad is a member of the West Virginia Tourist Train Association.

I love steam engines ---and seeing them (and riding on them) brought back so many memories of my childhood.  My Daddy worked for the railroad all of his life --and when I was young,  he would take me to work on occasion,  and I'd get to ride on the steam trains.  What JOY--and what fabulous memories.

Going up that mountain --and listening to that engine huffing and puffing was truly awesome for me.   These trains operate from the end of May through October each year.  The only problem we had on this trip was that the weather turned cold --and George and I were NOT prepared.... It was about 55 degrees --with a wind chill as we rode along on that OPEN train.  NOTE TO BETSY:  Put our coats and sweats in the car when we drive to the mountains in the Fall.... ha ha ....  We only had our THIN rain jackets... Luckily we did have long pants --but it was still COLD.  Some people on the train brought heavy coats, gloves, and blankets....

BUT----forgetting the cold day,  we had a wonderful time.  Today,  I will share some of the TONS of photos we took on that trip...   Above is a picture of the engine of one of the Cass trains we saw while waiting on our train to come.  Be sure to click on the photos for a larger shot.




Here is that train leaving the station ...  This train was just like ours except that it only went to Whitaker  (a 1 1/2 hour trip).  




This is our train..  We chose the LAST car (which was great) since we had a great view of the engine as it took us up that mountain... By the way ---the engine PUSHED us instead of pulled us --so technically on the trip up the mountain,  we were in the FRONT car!!!!!!

Each car had seats in the middle --and plenty of room to walk around on both sides...  Most of us stood up --hanging out of the train to get the best photos.




Here is one of the places where we passed one of the other trains as it headed back down the mountain.   We had a wonderful guide on our train.  He told us so many wonderful stories about the area, and about the train.   We could tell that he loved his job.




Here is a picture from our car ---as we were being pushed up the mountain.  The scenery was awesome all along the way --and we ran around taking pictures on all sides...




This  picture was taken at our first stop (Whittaker).   There were restrooms,  snack bars,  and picnic tables.  George and I took our lunch with us.




Here we are at Bald Knob.   The views up here are fantastic.   I have many, many more pictures to share (the views,  the Bald Knob area,  the deer at Bald Knob, etc.).. SO ---come back for more pictures from our Cass Scenic Train Ride.   AND--if you are ever in West VA,  be sure and visit this wonderful place!

Have a wonderful day.

Hugs,
Betsy

56 comments:

Beth said...

I've not heard of this place, but am now very interested in knowing more. That kind of trip is just our 'thing'! (But I always have a spare coat and blanket in the car, Betsy---I'm teased about how I over-prepare/pack on trips!)
I'm looking forward to more pics--love the trains and the scenery. It's good to have you back safe and sound!:>)

eileeninmd said...

What a wonderful train ride, the scenery looks gorgeous along the way. I have taken one train ride in Wes Va. but I do not think it was this one. Great photos, Betsy.

Anonymous said...

Very nice photos, Betsy. We took a trip similar to this once with my parents and it was a lot of fun. Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

Love, love this. I haven't been on a train since I was a little girl....

Andrea said...

Welcome back Betsy, we missed you! That train seem very exciting, it is steam engine so that dark fume is not polluting the air at all? And i love your Autumn header, that is what i always associate with you, the fall photos you gave me last year. Do you remember? I still do and am still thankful.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Looking t these pictures,I can't help but think how Jake would have enjoyed a ride like that.THe scenery is gorgeous.

pam said...

Oh, I want to do this!!! I love trains!!!

mamahasspoken said...

What a fun trip on a beautiful autumn day!

Carol Murdock said...

I would love this trip! You guys amaze me by getting around so much! XO

Dorothy said...

What fun! Do you and George ever feel guilty because you are having too much fun;-)??? Wonderful pictures!!

MadSnapper said...

I would love to ride the train and also love to see a cold day. that photo of the train leaving the station is gorgeous and should be framed. i love the smoke in the shot. beautiful photos all of them.

Tabor said...

I am beginning to be exhausted just trying to follow all your travels!

Les Barr said...

I was there a few years ago. I see that it has not changed over the years. Also took the train ride like you. It was enjoyable. Found it to be a very interesting place of History, plus Touring the WV Mountains on a Goldwing Touring Bike.

Chatty Crone said...

Funny the blog or post I just read - they had gone to Cass Scenic Railroad too - small world.

They bought a boxed lunch and went on the train too.

Such gorgeous sites there.

Have you gone to every state together? Your trips are awesome.

sandie

TexWisGirl said...

even though it might be a bit of air pollution, the billowing smoke from that engine shot is gorgeous! what a great (frigid) day!

From the Kitchen said...

Wonderful!! I, too, love the old steam engines. Roanoke has a great train museum where one can climb about on all kinds of old engines. It's also home to the Winston Link Museum. I love his train photographs.

Best,
Bonnie

Arkansas Patti said...

Now that looks like fun--if cold. At least you didn't shake when taking pictures. Wonderful shots per usual.

Snap said...

I love the steam engines and train rides like this one. Some nice memories of Chama, NM train and the Silverton, CO train. Fun and beautiful scenery.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Oh, this looks like such a fun trip Betsy. I would love the train ride. Of course, if I were too cold, I would be a miserable little sissy. :)
I love that this brought back good memories of your daddy!!!

nanny said...

Your pictures are wonderful...so clear and bright.

I had to stop and pause when you said you went up the mountain to Bald Knob....I new we didn't have a mountain leading here (I live in Bald Knob) lol Never heard the name before!

Looks like a fun but chilly ride!!

Diane said...

Looks fun. You got some beautiful pictures of the trains Betsy.

Growing up in the Bighorns we were taught -
Never leave the house to go to the mountains without your hat, matches(even when we were little), TP, and winter coat. I still do. Diane

Rose said...

Betsy, I would have loved that ride...really looks like you saw some beautiful scenery. I have never ridden on a train...and neither has Roger. But his grandpa retired from the railroad...had been an engineer for 20-25 years.

As to the cold...I have a problem of being cold in hotel rooms...but don't like the bulk of a robe in packing. So, I got one of those cheap fleece blankets from walmart...and just keep it in the car. I can fold it like you fold a head scarf and wrap it around my shoulders and it is so warm. I can take it in if I need it...which I do most times cause Roger is always hotter than me.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Betsy - we missed each other by ONE day! We rode up to Bald Knob on the 17th! I already wrote my post on it, last week. It was cold, but luckily we had layers and brought a big blanket from the cabin we rented. It was so pretty up there!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

That looks like a fun trip! As I've said before, you and George find the neatest things to do. Have a great day!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I just got caught up on your posts. The train pictures are all awesome, so clear, any one could be on a postcard! But my fave is the first one with the black smoke and white smoke. Hard to believe the engine is in the back and it pushes! I have never heard the like, wonder what the pros and cons are? Your yesterday's post is gorgeous! The river going though the ravine, the red leaves, and YOU in that hat with the glimpse of falls behind you, SUPER pictures, those are my faves! So glad you are back and saw all the beauty and wonder to share with us!!

Out on the prairie said...

A trip to my grandfathers meant a partial day in the switchyard, riding a few steam trains.What a lovely trip. I was just on Cass St. walking through a real old cemetery.

HolleyGarden said...

Oh, what beautiful country! And I can just imagine how wonderful it was seeing it from a train. What a fun way to travel!

Elenka said...

Wise thoughts about life and death on Birdman's blog. I will try and remember that.

trump said...

Your images are wonderful and like you i love steam engines and taking rides on historic trains. Your blog is so well done Betsy, and correct me if i am wrong you guys have a Amish settlement pretty close to you. Richard from Amish Stories.

Anonymous said...

I hate cold weather! I guess it would be better to see West Virginia in the summer?

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

This train had some pretty sights!

Ms. A said...

Absolutely fabulous! I would LOVE this. I would love it even better with a new camera. I've got to make up my mind, what's left of it.

Fred Alton said...

Frances and I have taken trains from Etowah to Copperhill - From Chattanooga to Summerville, GA - and once we drove over to Bryson City and took the train through the Santeetlah Gorge. At least I think it was Santeetlah. A great way to spend a few relaxing hours!

Dar said...

Wow, Betsy and George~
What a fascinating day. I have been in and out of the blogging circular so much this summer, and I am realizing how many folks I miss. You're right up there, kindred spirit. Your header is about the most gorgeous fall scene I have seen so far. Love it.
BlessYourHearts and WelcomeHome

Lola said...

Sounds like a wonderful days outing. I sure miss those days.

~mel said...

What a great way to spend a day with your honey ~ getting pushed and pulled up a mountain then a picnic lunch to top it off! Thanks for sharing :)

Ann said...

The train and the station look like you took a step back in time. I love it. That must have been fun and the scenery is wonderful

penny said...

What a wonderful way to see all the mountain sights with out hiking a single step. Your photos tell a beautiful tale, Betsy. Thanks!
hugs, Pam

Leontien said...

Hi Betsy

I think your pictures are great! I do not like trains (in Holland i had some nasty experiences) but they were normal trains, not like this steam and driving true gorgeous woods and landscapes!

Hugs from Indiana
Leontien

carolina nana said...

I love riding trains. Have you ever took the scenic train ride in Dillsboro,NC ? That is awesome especially in the fall
We got another 1/4 inch of rain last night but dodged some really severe storms.
Blessings
Marilyn

Glenda said...

I would love that kind of trip - with lots of warm clothing on!! Your pics are great, and the scenery is so beautiful! I love the pic of the tracks going into that gorgeous woods.

Connie said...

Oh, I bet this was so much fun, Betsy! Sound like you had a great time. I'll look forward to seeing the rest of your pictures. :)

Jeanne said...

Sounds like a lot of fun and this is the perfect time of the year for a train ride through the beautiful woods. We rode one in Chama, New Mexico a few years ago in October and it was an amazing experience that I'll never forget. Love your pictures.
Blessings,
Jeanne

PCovi said...

I swear I can smell that steam engine!!! What fun...oh lordy I'd love that outing. But I wouldn't get cold, no siree...

Angela said...

That looks like so much fun! We have got to take that train ride sometime. We've rode the one in Elkins and the Potomac Eagle. We loved both of those rides but our favorite was the Potomac Eagle. We took my mom and my 85 yr old Granny even came along for the trip. They had a dinner train car that was first class. That is where we were. The food was so good! I'd love to do that one again!

Can't way to see more pictures! You know I love my West Virginia! lol

Hugs,
Angela

Lynn said...

Thank you for sharing this on my birthday! Thank you for both the bday wishes on my blog and on FB. Went to Cracker Barrel for lunch which is always my favorite. Your photos are really awesome. I will show Terry in the morning. Makes me sad we did not get back to WV this Fall. We would love the steam engine. So glad to have you back!

Anonymous said...

Another wonderful post about your latest trip. The scenery lives up to the name of the railroad and the form of transport looks so exciting.

Mary said...

Mike and I would have loved this. Looks like a great train ride!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

We have ridden the scenic train out of Bryson City, TN. Those open cars are the only way to go, but it can be chillier than anticipated. I'm glad you and George were able to enjoy the ride in spite of the cold. But then, I think you two enjoy just about everything you can do together. :)

Janie said...

Great idea to ride the scenic steam engine train! Must've been especially fun for you, Betsy, since it brought back so many memories.

Cicero Sings said...

FUN Betsy! Soxeasy to get caught unaware weather wise at this time of year - still lulled by thoughts of summer temperatures.

D and I did a much shorter steam engine trip in 2007 in the Okanagan and that was fun so longer would be even better as well as getting a climb in - more scenic!

Loren said...

Oh how wonderful is that!!! I would LOVE to go on a train trip and would LOVE bringing my family to enjoy it as well!
Your pics are great !! You're right ..sitting in the back was the perfect spot :)

Annesphamily said...

My favorite uncle Louie was a railroader. I loved all the stories he told and I always loved riding the train. Thanks for sharing with us and as always, your photos R O C K !

Kirigalpoththa said...

I love steam engines! This looks like dream ride.

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

We love steam engines--I can only hope that one day we will be able to take a ride like this. We've ridden the train at Stone Mountain, GA--GREAT fun!

A Colorful World said...

When I saw this wonderful posting I tried to comment and was unsuccessful....not really sure why! So, I will try again! Your trip sounds marvelous, and I enjoyed reading about it so much. I would LOVE to take a similar trip! The photo of the steam engine really caught my eye....I worked at the Suffolk Seaboard Station for over a year, and have past posts about some of the events we held during my time there. Have a soft spot for trains! Thanks for sharing this!