Blowing Off Steam...

NPS

Sunday, December 9, 2012

www.nps.gov/gosh

For three days at year's end, you can experience how steam locomotives appeared as they chugged along the Transcontinental Railroad in winter.

On December 28, 29, and 30 Golden Spike National Historic Site in northern Utah will host its annual Winter Steam Festival. Visitors can not only watch No. 119 let off steam, but also explore the railroad museum, watch films, and participate in other special events not regularly offered throughout the winter season.

For specific details, check the park's website.

Submitted by Lee Dalton on December 9, 2012 - 1:51pm.

One word of advice: Take Lots of Warm Clothes.

(Okay, five words of advice.)

Even on a sunny day, the wind comes whipping across the hills out there and it's COLD. Just be prepared and enjoy a wonderful day of great photography.

Submitted by defellows on December 9, 2012 - 6:13pm.

My ignorance is really going to be glaring in this comment, but thanks to Lee Dalton showing up as having made a comment to the Blowing Off Steam photo, I discovered there is a short article attached to the photos. You don't know how many time I would have liked to know what the photo was about or where it was taken. Now I can check it out. Thanks!

Submitted by Wulverine on December 10, 2012 - 5:09pm.

Another word of advice. Head down the road and check out the Spiral Jetty after stopping by to see the trains.

http://www.diaart.org/sites/main/spiraljetty

Submitted by Lee Dalton on December 10, 2012 - 10:29pm.

With snow and wet roads, it would be a very good idea to try the Spiral Jetty trip only with good 4-wheel drive vehicles. In fact, two vehicles in case one needs help. It's a long, long way from nowhere out there and cell phones don't work and the mud out that way can be very deep and gooey.

This is a clip from the website provided by Wulverine: Spiral Jetty is located approximately 15.5 miles beyond the Golden Spike National Historic Site (GSNHS). Upon leaving GSNHS, roads are unpaved and high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended. In inclement weather, roads can become impassable. Guests are advised to bring water, and Dia asks that visitors "leave no trace," by carrying out anything they bring with them.

Wulverine's suggestion is a good one. Just be prepared if you decide to give it a go. The trip to Spiral Jetty is not your ordinary Sunday drive and this is no time of the year to become stranded out there.

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