If you’ve followed our page for any length of time, you know we can’t resist exploring the rich history of Caboose Falls. Sometimes, that passion even derails our planned projects—and today was a perfect example.
We arrived with a list of tasks to tackle around the property, but those plans quickly went off the rails when we stumbled upon a fascinating relic: a well weathered telegraph pole crossarm, complete with insulator bolts. At first glance, it looked like just another piece of old wood—then we realized we were standing over a small slice of railroad history, hidden under leaves, roots, and vines.
Within minutes, Aurelius returned with a hatchet, and Christian got to work carefully cutting through the tangled roots and vines that had anchored the artifact in place. The crossarm was in remarkable condition, with five insulator bolts still intact on each end. Nearby, we unearthed a handful of broken plastic insulators, a single glass one, and a section of wire that we suspect was part of the original telegraph lines.
It wasn’t easy, but after some careful work, we freed the crossarm from nature’s grip. Then came the real challenge: hauling it up the steep slope. It was an all-hands-on-deck effort, but we finally got our prize safely out of the elements. Now, it’s drying out and awaiting its next life—soon to be mounted under the roof of our platform, where it’ll serve as a display for the insulators we’ve collected over the past year.
Some days, the best projects are the ones you never planned.
From ‘Watch Your Step!’ to ‘Walk This Way
Christian’s latest work on the new trail section is making a big difference. That slope made this section feel awkward, like a balancing act. Now? It’s practically a sidewalk (okay, maybe not that smooth, but close). He still need to reinforce the edges with some cribbing, but thanks to his backbreaking work, this path is officially open for business. Before long, it’ll be hard to believe this was ever anything but a proper trail.
A Visit From the Neighbors (And What Special Guests They Were!)
This weekend, while we were busy with projects, we got a wonderful surprise visit from our favorite neighbors—the ones who announce themselves with rumbling prime-movers, horns, and ground-shaking horsepower. And oh, did they bring something special this time!
Barreling past Caboose Falls like a rolling time capsule came CSX 7764 and 7876, a pair of C40-8W “Dash-8” locomotives still wearing their original YN2 paint.
These old workhorses are like the elder statesmen of the line, having first joined CSX’s roster back in 1993 – they were some of the railroad’s first wide-nose units. The years have left their mark – paint faded by countless sunrises, surfaces worn by millions of miles – but that just gives them more character. Spotting one in this classic scheme is rare enough, but getting two together? What a treat! Our “neighbors” might not know it, but every visit is a living history lesson, and this one was one of our favorites.
The Falls in Their Own Words
No matter how many projects we tackle or trains we chase, this sound always brings us back to center. It’s the soul of Caboose Falls. We thought you should hear it too.
