Archives News
Operations News
Shop News
Track News

Excursion Report

BAERA members and guests enjoyed a fine day of riding the rails on August 27, 2011. For many it started with an Amtrak ride from the Bay Area to Sacramento’s Amtrak station. A short walk led to the Sacramento light rail boarding platform to catch the Gold Line which would take us out to Folsom. Highlighting the 50 minute ride was a talk by William Burg, Western Railway Museum member and author of Sacramento’s Streetcars. Although intended for BAERA fans, his talk attracted the attention of light rail passengers who boarded our car and were surprised to learn that there were indeed streetcars in Sacramento before the advent of the light rail.

In Folsom, a warm welcome (no, not just the weather) was extended by Bill Anderson, head of the Folsom Railway Association, who took the photo below and led the group through town, explaining its multi-faceted history of prison, power, gold and railways. He also distributed the welcome packets that were prepared for BAERA members by the Folsom Tourist Office.

At the Folsom Power House, barely three blocks from the light rail stop, docent and retired State Park Ranger, Dan Winkleman provided a comprehensive tour of the facility, its history and the environs.

What else does every rail fan excursion need? Food and drink of course, and most all the participants seemed to find the way to the town’s remarkably good Chinese restaurant. Then back aboard the Gold Line for the return ride to downtown Sacramento and for many of us, a chance to breathe again in the cool, foggy atmosphere of the Bay Area.

We look forward to future excursions and welcome suggestions about where folks would like to visit. Ideas can be directed to Judith Singer, Excursion Manager in care of the Museum.