WATCH OUR FULL VIDEO STORY EASTERN SIERRA MEMORIES

– Carl Bidleman

Today’s photo of McClure Meadow in Kings Canyon National Park comes from Tom Hilton. I think I’d rather be sittin’ right there today.

We’ll have our Kings Canyon videos online soon. In the meantime, watch our videos of nearby Sequoia National Park:

Sequoia’s Most Famous Treasures

Sequoia’s Wilderness Wonders

Sequoia’s Little Surprises

WATCH DOZENS OF FREE, ONLINE VIDEOS OF WILDLIFE WATCHING IN CALIFORNIA AND THE AMERICAN WEST AT WWW.OPENROAD.TV

Photo by Tom Spaulding

WATCH OUR FULL VIDEO STORY: PLACERVILLE GHOSTS AND GOLD

If you like the California Gold Country, we have a full story and video that you might enjoy.

A 60-second getaway to California’s amazing volcanic landscape.

Photo by Stacy Geiken

WATCH OUR COMPLETE VIDEO STORY ABOUT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK.

Photo: Christopher Chen

–M’Gee Johnston

It’s officially the travel season as Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer type activities ~ outdoor events, picnics, beach outings, and travel ~ by boats, planes and trains. You can enjoy some of the train activity and learn about steam engines by checking out the special rides being offered this weekend in Niles Canyon.

For a preview, see our story: Niles Historic Movies and Trains

Got Steam? Bay Area Railroad History Comes to Life

On May 25th and 26th the Golden Gate Railroad Museum and the Pacific Locomotive Association will be hosting a special series of steam locomotive train rides powered by Southern Pacific #2472, A Pacific Class (4-6-2 wheel arrangement) locomotive. These special rides are in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the last SP steam locomotives in Niles Canyon.

In addition this operation marks the return to operation for Southern Pacific #2472 after being out of service for the past several years for a “six figure” restoration and federal inspection paid for by donations and volunteer labor.

Sunday, May 25th, Steam Locomotive SP 2472, SP Business Car “Oakland”, A Railway Post Office, and other heritage equipment will be on display in Sunol and guided tours will be provided. There is a $5 fee, payable at the display.

Monday, May 26th special trains powered by SP 2472 will run round trip from Sunol departing at 10:30am, Noon, 1:30pm, 3:00pm. The focus of this event is to provide the opportunity to ride behind historic steam in commemoration of this 50th anniversary. There will be no “run-by” opportunities on any of the Monday trains. Tickets for the Monday train are – $25 Adults / $10 Children over 4.

The funds raised from this event will go to support the museum and restoration operations of both the PLA and GGRM.

Who: The Golden Gate Railroad Museum, Pacific Locomotive Association
What: Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive #2472
When: Sunday, May 25th and Monday, May 26th
Where: Niles Canyon Railway, Trains Depart from Sunol Station (6 Kildare Rd. Sunol, CA 94586)
Why: Return to Operation for SP #2472 / 50th anniversary of last SP Steam Locomotives in Niles Canyon.
HOW: Tickets for the Monday Steam train Rides can be purchased in advance via telephone at 408-269-4145 or the day of operation at Sunol station.
On the Web: www.ggrm.org and www.ncry.org

Photo courtesy of California State Parks

WATCH OUR GOLD COUNTRY ROAD TRIP VIDEO.

One of the most beautiful inhospitable places on earth. Look. Listen. Enjoy.

For more on Death Valley, see two excellent OpenRoad.TV community submissions: Jeff & Janet Conley’s video, Death Valley Fun and Adventures and Betsey Husband’s Death Valley Journey photos and story.

Today’s photo, titled Ocean Ave., comes from C.K. Tse