Short Walk Through Time

[TARNATION !!!]

Tonight's hike was mostly for CHARLIE and KYRA. I had an annoying small wart hit with liquid nitrogen today. It is on the inside of my right little toe. It had been causing enough discomfort and I had not had any success with home remedies, so off to the doc.

Well, that was interesting. I walked into the office and hobbled out. I almost gave up on the dog hike but two inquiring faces made it clear that option was not in the cards. So, I hobbled out to the rolling kennel and drove to a favorite spot along a seldom used rail line. In a good year, we would be seeing huns but it was so wet for so long around here, I have yet to see one.

When they got the release word, they were out like a shot and running hard for that first burn of pent-up energy. I started hobbling down the line and they investigated all the cover along the old right of way. Normally, my eyes are scanning the skies or the nearby habitat. Seldom do I stare at my feet but today, most of the time I was checking footing to ensure my right foot could be placed flat and not end up rolling which was more than slightly painful. Now we have hiked that line since 1997 and today I got a short lesson on rails, ties, spikes and associated hardware.

I noticed a nail approximately centered between the rails in the middle of a tie. Then I started noticing them more and more. Not on every tie but every once in a while. The nail heads had two stamped digits. I saw 44 45 47 59 60 63 and 67. I surmised those to be years 1944 etc, but I don't know. Then I noticed the rail plate that is spiked to the tie. Most all of them showed 1955. I had hobbled about 1/2 mile and decided I'd be well advised to head back sooner than later. The pups came by a couple times to see why I was lagging behind but they didn't hang around for more than a pat on the head and a rub of the ears.

The sunlight was hitting the rails at a very acute angle, illuminating the inner portion of the rail. I learned that each rail is dated several times along its length. Also the steel maker is shown and a "pound" rating. I saw Algoma steel and Gary (Indiana I presume) and all were 85 pounds - not sure what that means but was wondering if it is 85 pounds/foot of rail???

Anybody into railroading that can shed further light on the tie nails and the 85 pound rails??

The years astounded me. Got me thinking that there will be Parkers for every one that I saw and then got me thinking it would make a neat image to have a corresponding year Parker with the SN and rail date clearly visible and maybe a nice rooster. Might try to accomplish that some day.

Anyway, the years in my 1/2 mile return hobble included 1908 1909 1910 1912 1914 1919 1923 and 1927. At a minimum, my little hike took me through more than a century of steel products.

The things you see when you stare at your feet. Didn't find any spare change though. (Might if I check the recliner now)

Cheers,
Jack