Steam in the Valley
Recorded 9/25/16
I’m about to turn 20 years old on Monday, September 26 and I needed to find some way to celebrate big. After some long debating, I found the answer. I’m making my return to railfanning since my birthday was coming up. So my mom and I went to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad where the Nickel Plate Road 765 is now Nickel Plate Road 767 will be doing an excursion. Before the trip, I was working extremely hard to work stay ahead of the game in college so I don't have to worry about any necessary schoolwork. Earlier this year, the production crew and I chased the Nickel Plate Road 765 when it was doing The Varsity in the Chicago area and I find it ironic that I have an opportunity to ride behind the Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive. Last month during Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Open House event, NKP 765 was renumbered to NKP 767 and a mars light was an added feature to the locomotive to honor the locomotive’s history. Almost one year ago, I was railfanning in Lake Forest for my birthday and now this is one step bigger which makes this more exciting. The last time I rode behind a steam locomotive was at the Strasburg Railroad over ten years ago. The ride was wonderful. I loved the wonderful forest scenery around my seat in coach number three. I get to witness my first photo runby which was so cool. Overall, I’d totally do this trip again. Thank you to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for making this event possible. It was definitely a nice birthday present.
