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Caption: For me it is hard to believe that it is coming up to four years already since the acquisition by CN of those first batch x-UP (CNW) locomotives, the C40-8s. There were 42 of them, numbered 9023-9064, and were to become CN 2000-2041. I had received a message there were some on the #396 that day, and it was a mad rush to Dundas from Grimsby, as I had planned to scurry up the hill in order to get a decent shot of all the power. In retrospect, it was a good thing I had been up to Dundas Peak a few times that fall. Being in shape enabled me to get to where I wanted to be with about 5 minutes to spare. (Not doing this any more though, my shape has changed) On 396 behind leader CN 2500 is 2589, with CREX 9060, 9041, 9032 and 9058. They currently operate on CN as 2037, 2018, 2009 and 2035 respectively. After these units were retired by UP in 2008/2009, Citicorp Railmark took possession of them, hence the CREX on the cabs. Note this image was taken the day before Christmas. No snow anywhere. Heck, it wasn't even cold...........
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Arnold, I access the peak from the top of the mountain, parking at olfield rd and walking in from there. Avoids going all the way up, but as you can be aware it’s still a bit of a hike for someone with mobility issues.
If it’s any help…. parking on Olfield isn’t illegal (just the other side of the signs)
and doesn’t require admission either. Glad you made the hike in 2012 !
Thanks, Mr. Steve: I am aware of the Olfield parking area down near the road curve, but never got around to trying it. Wasn’t sure if there was a clear path over to the Peak or it was a round-about route. I usually parked way over at the Golf Course off Hwy 8 and then did the long hike because it is good for the health of it. But the climb has been a bitch when it is not done regularly. The admission is a joke….especially when they used to not open the gates until 0830. Heck, 2 hours of shooting gone by as well as half the trains by that time.:o)
I might add I really do not have mobility issues. I have an issue with laziness hiking in to where I might see a train if I’m lucky.
Great shot here Mr. Mooney, very informative as well! One of my favourite places to get away from life on occasion.
There is a clear path – but there are a few hills to climb (not too bad).
Last year in the fall I went early AM on two occasions…. it was great , but by the time I left a couple hours later the place had thousands of tourists.. it was insanity…
and it’s resulting in major changes:
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6547972-want-to-visit-webster-s-falls-be-ready-to-pay-15/
Paul: I recall you mentioning you like this place. After reading the link Mr. Host kindly supplied, I think it is time to apply “selective visiting”. Be an early riser, walk in for daybreak and be prepared to leave around 11AM unless the weather is less than perfect and it is a weekday. So the Falls area and the Lookout to the Valley have been invaded !! Maybe the fact ‘they’ (the Tall Foreheads) have destroyed the RBC for the common citizen has chased a lot of them to Dundas, and now they will be driven elsewhere from there. I read some of the comments to the price hike, and I would only suggest that those who are residents of Hammy/Wentworth and can show proof, be charged maybe $5. They have already been soaked to the skin paying taxes that supposedly are used to support lands within H/W. As is, I will walk in. From wherever. But lets hope the vast buckets of money collected off the poor visitors isn’t used to start building ‘keep out’ fences. I really miss watching trains from the hillside at Bayview. I picture the brass of the Botanical Gardens sickened over the fact people were enjoying themselves for free. So, using whatever excuses they could invent, put an end to that.