Steaming into Fall

10.08.2022

The Age of Steam Museum

Only a few short years ago I learned about a museum called the Age of Steam.  A man with an amazing vision Jerry Jacobson built a roundhouse and a bevy of other appurtenances to maintain his 23 steam locomotives. You can read his story here. Age of Steam

I traveled down there today to take some photos and take the tour. This place is an active work site. I mean they are pressing bushings, bearings, welding, and machining parts right there on site.  They watch you like a hawk because of all the safety concerns, but your totally safe in their hands no worries there. 

All these steamers have been either totally restored, but some of them are in the middle of being restored. I am sure all these folks are at the top of their craft.  The only thing they are missing is a forge and if they had that they would be 100% self-sufficient.  

The engineering of the building it top notch. All the timber is from sawn lumber. All the structural connections with iron through bolts, flat iron square washers, and iron terminated connections. The amount of detail that is apparent from what I saw in the roundhouse is amazing.

It’s the cleanest darn shop I have ever seen! 

The tour guide we had was also top notch! He was well versed in the physics behind the steam and how each engine was different for each steamer.  I was really impressed, and it is always a pleasure to hear people speak who can keep the attention of others while educating them. 

One great note about the tour guide. There was a special needs young man on our tour. He was knowledgeable to, but the tour guide without missing a step treated all the questions from the young man as if he was like the rest of us “normal”. 

The tour guide explained to us in general terms what the permitting costs are associated with a steamer. I understood totally why they have only one active steam locomotive.  The manpower hours, labor hours, and love for these steamers is amazing to witness.

10.09.2022

Allegheny National Forest (ANF)

I choose to return to the Kinzua Valley in northcentral Pennsylvania today. I would travel to the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). 

For information click this link Allegheny National Forest

I traveled easterly towards the ANF and with much anticipation. Last year when I had finally made up my mind to go fall had come and gone and we where in the early part of winter. I thought to myself what a wonderful place to come to in the fall. Well with that also comes everyone else or as I like to call is very peoplie!

Fall color was in full splendor staring at elevations of 1300 feet. Above this you could see the how the color creep was working its down into the lower elevations.  Here around my house at elevation of 1160 our colors are staring to take shape, but they are only at about 40% to its full fall foliage color potential. I have noticed over the last three falls the colors while bright and vibrant have taken on a almost muted color scheme when viewed from afar. 

I traveled to the Kinzua Viaduct and glad I got here before noon because let’s just say on Friday they saw 7000 people and today was Saturday! Lol Get their early friends.

I took the path down to the valley bottom. I took my time getting down there because of the loose gravel and semi tricky footing.  The ANF has taken the time for you protection and the liability to stay on the paths to control erosion issues and to protect you from injury so could you please respect them and do not do what ever you want! This is just one example of why our moms said “we can never have anything nice”.

Mt trail walked went like this

I then went to the Kinzua Rock Ledge trail and overlook. This area is easy to find and can be found by these coordinates N41° 50.571' W78° 56.766'.

There is also a scenic byway that will route you around 1/4th of the south part of the reservoir. The route is call “Longhouse National Scenic Byway” and more information can be found at this link Longhouse Scenic Byway

There are other scenic drives, and their information can be found here at this link. Scenic Drives

Its maybe my imagination, but over the last few years the colors although very vibrant from afar they look muted. Its still a beautiful thing to see as mother nature reminds us that life is precious so enjoy her splendor while you can.

I hope you enjoy the photos!

Sonder