clearing summer storm

Far from the hustle and bustle of the Cregut depot along the remote northern reaches of the C & H line lies Hawkins Gap .

emergency supplies

Railroads have traditionally retraced the steps of pioneers on their trek westward and the C & H is no exception. Hawkins Gap lies at the nexus of the Oregon, California, and the Santa Fe trails. If you look real hard you can still make out the ruts made by rumbling prairie schooners as they rolled through.

It's a tad colder up in these parts with long harsh winters, but the peace and serenity of the open country make it all worth while. The pace is a little slower here, but we like it that way. You can be snowed in for days at a time with little but the clicking of the telegraph sounder and the occasional passing train to break the silence.

harsh winter icing conditions

But make no mistake, there is important work to be done. We constantly monitor line conditions to alert trains of possible danger and trains in trouble depend on us for emergency supplies and a vital telegraph link to the outside world.

proceed with caution

Visitors in these parts are few and far between, but it is traditional for those intrepid few that make it, to sign the depot wall as a lasting reminder of friends and strangers that may not pass this way again.

burning the midnight oil

a dusting of snow at Christmas

guest signatures