The 10-spot switches the north end of Sheepscot yard; note the three-track stub switch in the foreground and the new water tank beyond. Vic Campbell photo

Downeaster Adventure to Portland and Beyond

August 11, 2007

At about 4 PM we left Sheepscot and motored south to Bath for a photo stop at the splendidly restored ex-Maine Central brick passenger station, now a tourist information center and head­quarters for Maine Eastern Railroad.

On we went to the Portland waterfront for a brief stop. At 6:40 PM we were aboard Downeaster #696, departing Portland for Boston. We had arranged with Epicurean Feast to provide an extra supply of their blueberry-crisp desserts for #696's cafe car, and our group eagerly consumed the entire supply! Arrival at Boston was a few minutes late at 9:15 PM, the end of an event-filled day.

Thanks to all the Amtrak and VIP Tours staff, especially #696's conductor, Ed Baker, all the volunteers at the WW&F Museum, and the crew at Epicurean Feast, who arranged for us to have a rewarding trip.