Autumn Closings - We Feel Helpless

 Autumn Closings

  We Feel "Helpless, Helpless, Helpless, Helpless"

Yes, it is the fall and we're feeling a tad bit "Helpless" as the changing winds of the season tell us it is nearing the time to bring the train running to a close.

With some luck and perseverance we have continued to ride the rails well into autumn.

These fine shots that commence this posting are of Marcel's beautiful Union Pacific diesel locomotive riding high atop RP&M rails taken recently during a late September session.

Marcel brought this unit up with him when he returned to Canada, and we are so glad he did.

This golden beauty has graced many a posting from this summer's train fun.

 We are so blessed to have Marcel along with us in the OVGRS.

Sadly for us, Marcel will be leaving for his home in the States in a few day's time.

But we will look back at these images with fond memories of the enjoyment we experienced each time we gathered.

We are comforted in the knowledge that Marcel will return to Ottawa next summer to enjoy our company...and we his!

As we observe Marcel's train running through the North Ontario wilderness around Rat Portage, I would like to share this song my band played recently during one of our "garage sessions".  The setting for the song is North Ontario.  The song is "Helpless" by Neil Young.  The footage is only audio.  It was recorded on a simple IPhone...no video.

Click on the audio link below to listen to my band's version of the song.  (Click the white arrow and then click it again when it appears over the red circle.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C0ufYI_M5c9XAF0rbqcwzFLOSHfvJeSg/view?usp=sharing

Or...if that doesn't work, you can scroll over this link and right click your mouse to access the audio footage.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C0ufYI_M5c9XAF0rbqcwzFLOSHfvJeSg/view

Indeed, this post combines two of my biggest hobbies, trains and music.  My bandmates on this audio jam recording are Kathy Brown on lead vocals, Chris McGuire on keyboard, Mark Peters on drums, Mike Watkins on upright bass and little ole' me, Mike Hamer, on acoustic guitar.

Kathy, our lead singer.

Mike, our bass player and my dentist!

Chris on keyboards.

Mark on the drums.

Little ole' me on acoustic and electric lead guitar.

We catch up with our Union Pacific crew working RP&M rails as they ease by Rat Portage.

It's all clear at the junction...

...as Marcel takes to the curve...

...to the west of Glenn Hammond.

Entering the yard at Glenn Hammond.

We spot the man himself...Mr. Marcel!

What a glorious angle with the sun and dappled shade raining on the consist.

Departing Glenn Hammond.

Taking the mainline outside of Nelson Yard.

Passing the Fallentree Mine.

Tiptoeing onto the Fred Mills Trestle.

Exiting the iron and steel.

Through the canyon with one wall of stone, another of a different material.

Rounding the curve at Lilly where more impressive work has been conducted.

Traversing the Patrick Brennan Bridge.

Downgrade to Blockhouse.

With the huge Fallentree Mine dominating the scene.

We say farewell to this blog entry.  No longer do we feel "Helpless"...in fact, we are "Runnin' on Faith"...faith that a new season will begin next year and we will all hopefully be able to get out and enjoy true operations.  Feel free to take a moment to listen to my band's version of Eric Clapton's "Runnin' on Faith" where I play lead guitar (on the acoustic guitar) along with all of my other bandmates.  Simply click on the link below to listen to the audio.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C3oohG6tkKx-X2owtG1I4J1EvIQwlmK-/view?usp=sharing

Or, if you need to, you can scroll over the link and right click to reach the audio link.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C3oohG6tkKx-X2owtG1I4J1EvIQwlmK-/view

Me and my Fender Telecaster.

Here's Marcel!  What a great smile! We're going to miss you laddy!  Keep on playing your guitar and hopefully we'll be able to get together for a jam next season!

Have a great day everyone!  

Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada