A pioneer cabin and the Cass Scenic Railroad

Monday morning, I left my “Cozy Cottage” in Weaverville and drove up through absolutely stunning scenery to Seneca State Park, where I had booked two nights in a “Pioneer Cabin” on a small lake. I had planned to do a bit of hiking and maybe float around in my kayak. Alas, the weather had other plans.

I got there late afternoon and sat by the lake, had a beer (maybe two…😆) and read a book in the sun. I didn’t realize that would be the last time I’d see the sun for several days! The next day brought torrential rain with thunder and lighting. The cabin was snug and warm, with gas lights and fridge, a wood cook stove, an enclosed porch and a stone fireplace big enough to roast an entire wild boar, if I had been so inclined.

True to the “pioneer” vibe, there was a hand-pump for water, and a privy up a somewhat precarious flight of stairs. The hand-pump was a bit finicky but luckily a man staying in the cabin next door came out to show me the specifics and lend a bit of muscle. I filled the provided 5-gallon container, which proved to be enough for my stay. (They had a shower house down by the main entrance, as well as WiFi, both which were quite appreciated!)

I made a fire inside the humungous fireplace and knit and read another book. I didn’t feel like firing up the gigantic wood cook stove for just me, but I had my little gas back-packing stove which was sufficient. I had plenty of food, coffee, tea and also a bottle of wine. I was perfectly content.

On Wednesday, I drove the few miles up to Cass, West Virginia, to ride the Scenic Railroad. On a steam locomotive. 😁

There was a little museum near the depot, with many interesting artifacts. Cass was a logging town back in the day, and the railroad was a huge part of the operation.

The weather was still not great, but everyone was in good spirits as the train chugged up the mountain to Bald Knob. The cars were covered, but open to the elements and I was glad I had dressed in layers and grabbed my down vest. The cars were built on old logging cars…once they carried timber instead of curious tourists. We passed the old saw mill and the machine shop.

We made a couple of switchbacks on the way up, and had to stop once for the engine to take on water. This was pumped from a natural spring. The steepest grade was about 9%, which is pretty steep for a steam locomotive. The fireman had to continually shovel coal to keep the steam up. Sometimes we were pulled and sometimes pushed, depending on the switchback.

Finally we got to Bald Knob, which apparently has spectacular views. However….THIS was our view! 🤣🤣🤣

On the way back down, we stopped at the old logging site of Whitaker. The weather had cleared a bit so we could see through the trees and there was some fascinating old machinery and replicas of the shacks that the workers lived in.

There is nothing that sounds like a steam locomotive whistle. Nothing. It’s always a thrill to hear it and I am so glad that these magnificent and beautiful old machines are being cared for and kept in operation. I feel like each engine must have a story to tell from back in the day when they transported giant logs and made daily trips on the mountain to bring the timber down to the mill.

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin’ like a breeze