Today's Train of Though- Dogwood Bumstead, April 8, 2014

Today's Train of Thought takes us to the heart of Dixie at the start of springtime. In many places throughout the south, many of the railroads and highways are lined with blossoming trees as the winter months recede [although I suspect many trees will be 'late bloomers'- if the bloom at all- due to this year's cold snap in the Deep South- NANESB!].

One pretty common tree is the dogwood, which goes by the latin name Cornus Florida. Besides the white blossoms in springtime, the wood for these trees have been known to be used for anything from cutting boards to golf clubs to walking canes- but probably not railroad ties.

Here, railpictures.net contributor Frank Orona caught CSX SD40-2 #8199 and C40-8 #7530 trundling past a stand of trackside dogwood trees in bloom on March 17, 2009 at Calera, AL with symbol freight M721, the Calera turn assigned between Birmingham and Calera. Immediately behind the two units is a lengthy cut of hopper cars carrying lime from Calera- the town is also home to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

Today's Train of Though- Cherry Ride, April 6, 2012

Today's train of thought takes us to the heart of the Peach state- although those eye catching blossoms you see on trackside are actually cherry blossoms.

Although known for peaches, Georgia's agricultural output also includes peanuts, tobacco, cotton and pecans- states along the west coast actually outpace Georgia in the cultivation of cherries, although they can be had at a number of 'pick-your-own' orchards throughout the state.

While probably not part of any orchard (pick your own or otherwise), railpictures.net contributor Nikos Kavoori caught these cherry trees in Danville, GA bracketing train Y101 in late March 2011 as it makes it's way back to Macon, GA with U23B #3959 on the point. The line is part of Georgia Central's former CSX (nee Seaboard Airline) route between Savannah and Macon.

Although acquired by the Genesee & Wyoming in 2005, the Georgia Central continues to operate with its fleet of high-hood secondhand ex-Southern U23Bs. So far, none of the equipment has been repainted int he G&W's trademanrk orange and black. Here, the vintage GEs are seem negotiating one of the numerous see-saw grades along the route.

Happy Easter From Not Another New England Sports Blog!

No big travel plans for yours truly like around Chirstmastime, but between church, dinner with the family and Opening Day for the Sox, I'll be pretty busy and thus would like to take this opportunity to wish the readers of this humble blog a happy and joyous Easter!