Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Photo tour of the Old Grade

From: "Chris Graves" caliron@att.net

Our good friend, Shen-Chih Cheng (Sam!) has completed his photographic work  re: the CPRR on the Sierra Nevada.  The leadership of the CSRM has seen the results of that work, and have expressed an interest in displaying his photos in the CSRM.

In mid-September, 2007 (NEXT MONTH!) Sam has retained me for the last leg of his photo work, this from Toano, Nev. to Promontory Summit, Utah.  (Last year Sam completed his photo work in the Pequops, so thankfully, we can leave that dusty area to its own quiet loneliness)

This last effort is expected to take 4 days.

If any of the bloggers would like to join in this journey, you would be most welcome.

WarningA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE IS A MUST. The old grade is littered with relics from 1869 thru the 1940's, spikes in tires are the norm, as are nails, chunks of iron/steel and broken glass.  Should you decide to join us, please plan accordingly.

While Sam and I will be moteling it, others are welcome to camp out.

We will be stopping in Nevada to see: the old grade East of Reno, the old grade East of Battle Mtn., the old grade East of Beowawe, the old grade West of Palisade, the old grade East of Elko, and other garden spots yet un-named.  We expect to overnite in Elko or Wendover, then overnite in Brigham City.

Those interested can reach me at 916 663 3742.  There is NO CHARGE for this service.

G J Chris Graves
NewCastle, AltaCal'a
Winter's Summer Garden

5 Comments:

Blogger CPRR Discussion Group said...

DISCLAIMER: Tours or travel would be entirely at your own risk. Not affiliated with the CPRR Museum.

8/14/2007 9:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We will be leaving Sacramento on SUNDAY, Sept. 16, overnite in Wendover, Utah, run the old grade between Toano and Promontory on Sept 17, overnite in Ogden. Sept. 18 ride the rails, then back to Wendover for motels. Sept. 18 return to Calif. via Palisade and Beowawe.
Should ANYONE wish to join us, drop me an email or call 916 663 3742. Chris Graves

8/23/2007 8:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Will you be making any stops in the Winnemucca area? Mike
rockhounder55@yahoo.com

9/15/2007 7:52 PM  
Blogger 4004bigboy said...

Are there any tunnels on the grade between promontory and lucin.
Thanks

1/20/2009 9:07 AM  
Blogger CPRR Discussion Group said...

From: "Chris Graves" caliron@cwnet.com
Subject: CSRM Exhibit

More than a few of you are aware of the trips that Shen-chih (Sam) Cheng and I have taken over the old grade of the CPRR in the past three years.

Sam, who holds a Masters Degree in Fine Art Photography, shot over 1200 black and white photos of the old grade, running from NewCastle to Promontory.

Those photos, sifted down to 32 absolutely spectacular LARGE black and white images, will be shown by the California State Railroad Museum in the Mezzanine waiting room. The exhibit will run from February 20, 2009 thru September 16, 2009, as part of the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the joining of the rails.

Also on exhibit will be a nice selection of Chinese artifacts collected by G J Chris Graves. Included are teapots, lamps, eating utensils, cooking pots, ceramic food and water jugs, writing instruments, and miscellaneous odds and ends.
David H. Bain, author of EMPIRE EXPRESS and THE OLD IRON ROAD has written the captions for the photos, as well as the introductory message board.

For those that have such an interest, the photo of Cape Horn has the following caption: "This stunning view, looking East, if of the famous Cape Horn, above Colfax, where, it was said, the first Chinese rock cutters bored and blasted a narrow shelf while being cinched to ropes on the steep slope, to prevent falls. Over time this short episode was blown into heroic but hilarious myth of workers lowered in reed baskets. Myth, not fact. End of story."

The complete photographic essay contains over 100 photographs, all or a portion of which can be purchased. Should you have an interest in such a purchase, kindly contact G J Chris Graves, via email at caliron@cwnet.com

1/22/2009 5:12 PM  

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