We’re making good progress! Thank God for the beautiful weather yesterday and today—I was finally able to accomplish something substantial.

Yesterday, I finished piling stones around the tunnel portals and filled in both sides. I may still add more stone later, but I’m eager to get the track laid so ballasting can begin. I also laid 50 feet of track yesterday and another 60 feet today. I joined the remaining rail sections—about 100 feet—and put in a call to Accu-Tie Rail Systems to order more. I had miscalculated my original estimate, since I pulled up the Culp rail from the old trestle and replaced it with new rail. I also hadn’t accounted for the lead from the old trestle to the new one.

Next week, I’ll begin adding ties. I still need to spray and clear weeds along the original main line. The goal is to tie everything together soon, as I’m planning a meet in October—complete with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony—to formally open the Mountain Division.

Here are a few pictures. More updates next week.