Riding the Joseph Branch Line

Today we rode the Joseph Branch rail line.  Work was begun on the line in 1907.  It starts in Elgin, and when completed made it to Joseph.  It was a working rail line until 1960.  The rail riders business was developed by the Metlins.  They used to own a bike store, which they sold, and then they developed this business using track that is not used by excursion trains.  It's only been going since 2014.  There is a good website describing them and the rail line which can be found here.
If you're in the area, you should do this.  It's just a hoot.  We signed up for the two hour tour, it's six miles from Joseph to Enterprise.  Going to Enterprise requires virtually no pedaling, coming back requires a little work.  It's so gorgeous.  We were very happy to be there.

The turn around is pretty cool.  The rail car is put on a "turn table" and reversed.

Here comes the "pusher" car.  If people get tired, he can fire up the engine and push them back up the hill.

He's taking the pusher off the rails so that the other cars can go by.

More beautiful scenery.

This is an osprey nest.  Apparently the builders spent time collecting colored materials for its construction.

Now we are back at the grain silo where the rail line ends.

This is a snip of a cell phone video of us.  Are we not adorable in our hats?