Friday, November 24, 2006

12 Men in the Desert

From: "Chris Graves" caliron@att.net

In June, 2006, twelve men of questionable wisdom chased the old CPRR grade between Wells, Nevada and Toano, Nevada.

One fellow flew in from Germany, cutting his vacation short to join the crew; another drove all the way from Michigan with his bride in tow (she was wise, and stayed in the motel while he chased dirt and iron).

Informally led by Chuck Sweet, Bob Chugg and I, at the end of three days 'enough was enough' and the 12 went their separate ways, none the worse for the experience, albeit all a bit dustier and worn from it. Chuck and I, discussing the events over a beer in Wells, mutually agreed that such an tour was our last, as dust, dirt, flat tires, mechanical challenges and poor diet had taken their toll.

Looking back through the prism that 6 months of fuzzy memory creates, however, I am once again thinking of chasing the rails through the Pequops, and beyond.

If anyone else is foolish enough to attempt this trek again, (repeat trekkies or newbies, either one) please contact me directly. There is no fee, no charge and no reasonable reason to do this, unless you really are into history and the CPRR.

You would need a minimum of a high clearance vehicle with GOOD TIRES and at least one good spare tire, the ability to see the humor in 40 miles of dusty road with NO FACILITIES, and a stomach strong enough to handle the vagaries of the motels in Wells, Nev.

This junket would again be held in June or July, this time in 2007, to last no more than 3 days, excluding the drive to Promontory Summit, which usually takes a day to complete from Wells. That piece of the trip REQUIRES 4 wheel drive.

—G J Chris Graves, NewCastle, California

1 Comments:

Blogger CPRR Discussion Group said...

From: Lynn D. Farrar

You make it sound so interesting! Let me assure anyone willing to undertake such an enlightning experience that it is SO WORTHWHILE. There is absolutely nothing like it in early railroad history in the west. Until one has driven those miles and can visualize just how tough things were in the 1860's he can have no appreciation for how monumentally great building that first transcontinental was. I recommend it to any redblooded guy who wants an exceptional experience.

—Lynn

11/25/2006 12:28 AM  

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