I can hear the whistle blowing

What a great day in Michigan. Blue skies, warm temperatures and a full tank of gas. Aside from one little errand to run (dropping Sharon off to visit a friend up north for a few days) I had an open agenda. My friend Buck learned of my trip north to Grand Haven and asked if I knew much of the old steam engine displayed there. As you'll find in any number of RV parks, if you poke around enough you'll surely find folks who has a common interests with you. So it just so happens I have a small interest in old trains.  Not a driving force in my life ... but interested.  Those big old chugging, smoking, mechanical marvels of their time were memories in my past and when I learned that my friends Don, and Bill shared the same interest it led to discovering the Buck and Dave were also hooked and we all lived in the same summer RV park.  As it turns out Dave actually is qualified to work on these old beasts of burden but all these guys have added to my appreciation all things railroad. Most have forgotten more than I know so it's nice to have a living library nearby.

Anyway, per Buck's request ... I made the effort to locate the old steamer in Grand Haven. Cosmetically well maintained, the 1941 Berkshire engined 2-8-4 resides in a nice little park along with a tender and several other cars; she's been there since 1981.  It's in a fenced off area but I've heard that one day a year the caretakers will let you in to inspect the engine a little closer. As luck would have it Grand Haven was celebrating Coast Guard Week and the traffic was crazy. I managed to squeeze into an adjoining art fair parking lot and grab this image out the car window while creeping buy. Would have liked to stop but nothing was available.

#1223

The 1223 actually never saw service in Grand Haven as she was too heavy (400 tons) and she is also missing her drive pistons. Her sister locomotive #1225 was restored to full operating condition but did not use any of #1223 parts. She's still as majestic as they day they put her in service and a fine example of stream driven transportation. Check out Wikipedia for more info.

So the next time you're in Grand Haven check it out.  And if you really do your homework you'll discover there is a WWII submarine in the area to explore.

Still livin' the dream, one little adventure at a time.

Phil

ps ... Those of you who spend their summers with us will note the omission of any photographs, quotes or other outbursts relating to the party held yesterday in honor of the owners Hal and Mary's birthdays. We mostly all acted within the confines of the law, though the notion of having a vodka tasting party combined with a birthday party does create a certain atmosphere. So about 20 people, about 15 different flavors of vodka, a bunch of snacky foods and no mix. Several hours of vodka shots would have put a lesser group down but we held our own.  Even got up for Sunday breakfast together.

Okay maybe one picture ...

Happy Birthday Hal