That's more like it

I get to run the train again today... Graintrain for 1430... it's amazing how much I can get done if the stupid RR gives me 2 1/2 days off. Mowed the lawn, worked on my truck, Fixed the hot tub so the Grandkids can use it as a swimming pool. Installed rain gutter. Vast improvement over recently.

Another day slipped away

Not sure if this post belongs in my Michael's Bicycle blog as it might related to the health issues and Shift Workers Syndrome I fight. A beautiful day in Billings and somehow not able to get of the couch. Thankfully I'll be home a bit longer than usual this trip as we deadheaded home last night. I'll worry about tomorrow and try to get something done this evening.

Last trip the phone rang at 0130 for a 0330 PASKCK, we left Laurel at 0555
Helpers on the rear at Livingston and pretty much a straight shot to Helena after that. It took us about the usual 10 hours to get there. Tied up in Helena at 1305 only to back on duty to Deadhead at 1900... I got no sleep and was up up well over 20 hours... the 4 hour rule should be outlawed... not to complain... just part of the nature of this job.

688 days to go

Photo 6/6/10 view from the Locomotive

Holy cow

I was going to post about the zanyness of a recent trip but didn't think anyone really read this crap... Holy cow

I have got renewed interest 'cause out of the blue there has been interest in the RR posts AND my travels... Holy cow, I didn't know there was interest in this still.

I will make this a quick marker post and pre date a post about a recent trip where we ended up with 147 cars and 9400+ feet of train... pretty zany. I must have walked 5 miles doing the groundwork that day.

Thanks for your email Chris Walker NZ!

I'm tapering off and backing up

I think the language used in the media is against the rules to be used on the senate floor but has become popular there too. It is a disgrace. The founding fathers had spirited discussions but established decorum for a reason. It got out of hand. We have seen it surface a few times recently as the aisle has been more divided. We need more gentlemanly behavior from our leaders. Has it gone to fist like Japan yet? Won't be long I predict.

Personal attacks are wrong there just as they are wrong on this forum. Tell me if I'm full of shit... it'll be OK

It doesn't take much time listening to Rush or Glenn to figure out that they are first and foremost entertainers who are in it for the money, fame or whatever. The outlandish statements they make prohibit me from taking anything they say seriously. I therefore find it humorous. At least the leftist guys are on the comedy channel for the most part. Rachel has her own agenda and I find her funny too. I admittedly would rather laugh with them than at them but what I think of them doesn't matter. I also laugh at them that take them seriously.

And personally, and I know it is a contraction, but I respect the office if not the individual. A am disillusioned with most if not all politicians but refrain from using derogatory terms even though I could not stand Mr. Bush and am rapidly feeling the same about Mr. Obama.

It is impossible to find out or know what really goes on with our government. I was dismayed to learn that the Coast Guard prevented news agencies from taking pictures as the oil hits the beaches along the Gulf. Transparency in our new administration? Bullshit.

Lately, I have gone burying my head in the sand. If I don't I tend to get wrapped up in the disgust and it can actually affect my mood. I believe in equal opportunity and they are all pissing me off with regularity. I don't watch TV news much, it disgusts me. I just grab my ankles and hang on no matter what they cram down our throats or shove... wherever... you get the point.

East Portaland down

RR content - less than 2 years left

I'll be eligible to retire in exactly 2 years today. After that I will no longer get to run the train.

Photo of Helper crew at Bozeman

RR video - Mayday

RR content video 0314002319

RR content - Back with Jack

Back with Jack after a 2 year gap

CoSTOC / NatSTOC / WeSTOC /CanSTOC / BearSTOC Trip planning

I'm already planning my motorcycle routes for next summer. Zoom the map out to see the entire route. Click the link below the map to see a larger Google version.



View Larger Map

go to the BearSTOC website

RR content - Big Deal... There oughta be a law

at 0930 we deadheaded to Helena arriving at 1320. RR gave us 5 hours off (Big Deal) then put us on a PASKCK with 8'10" left to work. The train had good power but was a pig. 7600ft long and over the drawbar and the helpers had to cut in. We died at Reed Point at 0300. ES into Laurel at 0430. I got about a 30" nap in Helena and have now been awake for 20 hours... how is that safe?

Palin

Sarah Palin was in Billings yesterday...
glad I was in Helena far away from all the lemmings...
One could get swept over the cliff... 'nuff said...
can't say something nice then...