from Today's Two Hour Trek

As I wander around and "see" things, and attempt to capture them via my trusty iPhone, I have come to realize that I possess a fascination with history. Specifically, the history of the settling of America. Thus, trains, rivers, barges, old buildings et al are likely to crop into this space frequently!

 The McCloud River Railroad Company was in existence from 1896-2009. Caught one of their cars on the tracks near Cedar Lake. More on McCloud River Railroad here

 Abandoned Union Pacific tracks in the New Bohemia area of Cedar Rapids that is being reclaimed from the Flood of June 2008.

 Passing beneath I-380 en route to Cedar Lake there is a Homeless Camp similar I imagine to the Hobo Towns that existed during the Great Depression. Above are the "Greeters"!

 Finally, Hose Company #4 further details available here

Today's Theme

12 Steps on A Avenue

A late afternoon stroll yielded these six snapshots. All within 12 steps! Appropriate as we rapidly approach the twelfth month of 2012

 

Governor Dodge SP--20 miles of hiking

 Cox Hollow Lake I

 Cox Hollow Lake II

 Cox Hollow Lake III

Cox Hollow Lake IV

When the State Park was constructed within the boundaries were the remnants of many an old homestead. These old farms existed prior to the advent of electricity to rural Wisconsin. Thus, each farm had a "Spring House"- an enclosed building built over a spring to keep milk, eggs and meats cool year-round.

 Ast Spring house

 Wilson Spring house

Stephen's Spring house

Windows, doors, rivers and signs from Urban Hike thru downtown Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids Downtown Firestone

Saturday Night Alley Trash

Hach Bros Co

Cedar River I

Fieldhouse Downtown-Back entrance

Cedar River II

Dock & Door...and Benches

Area of Refuge

Lincoln Hwy

 Downtown CR

graffiti from under I-380

 Cedar Lake thru Train Cars

 Cedar Rapids Train Station

 Canada & Quaker Mills

Another Canadian Train Car

Electricity Generation....

From one of today's (11/17/12) Urban Hikes thru Cedar Rapids