Who We Are

We sold our home in June, 2007, and spent the next 7 1/2 years traveling full time in a Cross Roads Fifth Wheel. (We had been traveling during our summers for several years before going full time.) We loved the full-time lifestyle! Each summer we spent a month or two volunteering in State Parks, first in Indiana at McCormick's Creek State Park, near our family, then in later years as the grandchildren got older, at the Bluewater Lake State Park in New Mexico. We spent 6 months each winter at Cactus Gardens RV Resort in Yuma, AZ, where I worked mornings in the park office. The remaining months were spent on the road, seeing this great country of ours. Our favorite places are our National Parks. Anita loved photography and the freedom of digital photography, taking sometimes hundreds of photos in a day. We hiked as much as our legs will allow. We also really enjoyed square and round dancing as we travel across country, and meeting all the wonderful people who dance and/or travel.

But as in all things, there comes a time for change, and we decided it was time to create roots once more. In the fall of 2014, we purchased a home in Cactus Gardens, and in the spring of 2015, sold the 5th wheel. Anita also retired in the spring. We will continue to travel each summer, but for a shorter period of time. We hope to continue blogging about those trips, but it will obviously be on a more limited basis than in the past.

Please explore our past posts if you are interested in traveling this great country. You'll find an index in the left column. We hope you enjoy our blog, and appreciate all comments

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Union Pacific #844 Stops in Yuma

 2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (13)

2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (20)Steam Locomotive #844 was the last built for Union Pacific.   It first rumbled down the tracks in 1944.    November 16, it stopped for an overnight stay in Yuma as part of a historical run commemorating both the Arizona and New Mexico Centennials.

We were fortunate to be able to see it during it’s overnight stay in Yuma.  The Locomotive is massive, weighing 454 tons. 

2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (4)

The next photo, showing Ron next to the 80” drive wheel gives puts its size into perspective.

2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (17)

Steps were provided for a look inside.

2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (1)

2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (7)       2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (8)

One car was open as a souvenir shop.

2011-11-16 - AZ, Yuma - Union Pacific #844 Centennial Run (21)

Friends, Hoyt and Bernice, watched it leave Yuma the following morning.  Our schedule did not permit us to do so, but I found this video on YouTube of its departure.

For more details about #844, check out the official website at UP Living Legend #844.

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