LAST CHANCE AT A RAILROAD

These are just a few of the photos I took yesterday, while visiting with Ray & Kathleen Robinson, proprietors of the Meadows & Lake Kathleen Railroad, in Deadwood, OR. Ray (pictured), along with many volunteers, built this marvelous little railroad on his 40 acres, over about a 10 year period. There is about a mile of main line, with 2 trestle crossings of the creek that meanders through their beautiful, park like valley. Patty & I first became aware of Ray and his railroad, through an article by Nick Russell, in his Gypsy Journal Blog, about a year ago. At that time, Ray was in the middle of a dispute with Lane County, regarding permits, fees, etc. I won't get into details, but you know the old saying, "you can't fight city hall". Unfortunately, it looks like "city hall" has won, and Ray will be forced to remove his railroad. It's a sad commentary on the powers of government, over the individuals right to improve his or her private property. All the details about this case of government intrusion into what should be our private property and life, can be found in the link to the lower right of my blog, entitled "Big Brother vs. Private Property".

This was the 3rd time we had an invitation from Ray, to visit his truly spectacular hobby railroad, and indescribably scenic property. Most summer Sunday afternoons, Ray allows a few people to experience his railroad and beautiful valley. This railroad is not open to the public, and if you try to find it without and invitation and directions, good luck! Yesterday, there were about 20 people, including one family, whose grade school son was doing a school project on the railroad. Ray allowed he and his brother to ride on the engine, which had to be quite a thrill. As in the previous 2 visits, we are appreciative of Ray and Kathleen's gracious hospitality, and look forward to our next visit to their little piece of heaven.
No plans for today, other than some housecleaning in preparation for our move up the coast tomorrow, to the next Thousand Trails near Newport, OR. This weekend is not so much about the Indy 500, or hot dogs & hamburgers, it's about the thousands of vets who paid the ultimate price for our ability to enjoy car races and cookouts. I'm proud of my service in the Army during the Viet Nam War, and I'm proud of my sons, Mike and Marc who also served their country in the U.S. Army. Today is the day that we should remember, and honor those heroes, who gave their lives for our freedoms.