Steam on the Chelatchie Prairie: The Return Trip

Crossett Western 2-8-2T #10 at Lucia on May 27, 2007

Crossett Western 2-8-2T #10 at Lucia on May 27, 2007

Crossett Western 2-8-2T #10 at Lucia on May 27, 2007

Crossett Western 2-8-2T #10 at Lucia on May 27, 2007

At Lucia, the train stops to reverse direction. From here, the locomotive can face forward as it pulls the train back to Yacolt. For the passengers onboard the train, this is the better part of the trip, as they get a good view of the steam exhaust from the locomotive. During this late spring trip, the force of the exhaust caused dead pine needles to come loose from the branches hanging over the tracks, and rain down on the passengers. The pictures below were taken as the train headed forward from Lucia to Moulton Falls.

This view shows the exhaust from the steam locomotive against the green of the forest canopy.

Approaching Bridge 23.

Looking down at the Lewis River from Bridge 23.

A view of one of the rock outcroppings along the line.

Dense forest on the opposite hillside.

Continue to Moulton Falls Station…