Guide to North American Railroad Hot Spots


Book Description

A compilation of the best places to watch trains in operation across North America. Each entry includes a photos, general location, directions from the nearest highway, list of operating railroads, and the type and regularity of trains operating. Also includes railroad radio frequencies, scenic highlights, photography tips, safety considerations and other relevant travel information.




HowExpert Guide to Train Spotting


Book Description

If you’re passionate about trains and want to elevate your train spotting experience, HowExpert Guide to Train Spotting is your ultimate companion. This guide takes you on a comprehensive journey through train spotting, offering expert insights, practical advice, and a deep dive into every aspect of this beloved hobby. Whether you're just starting out or refining your skills, this book provides everything you need to become a seasoned train spotter. Inside, You’ll Discover: Chapter 1: Introduction to Train Spotting – Explore the rich history and evolution of train spotting. Discover why this hobby captivates enthusiasts and the enduring appeal that keeps the community thriving. Chapter 2: Mastering Train Spotting Skills – Equip yourself with essential skills every train spotter needs. Learn how to observe and identify trains, record sightings, and follow safety guidelines for a rewarding experience. Chapter 3: Identifying and Spotting Trains – Dive into the excitement of discovering and identifying all types of trains, from classic steam engines to modern marvels. Get expert tips to help you spot and identify the full spectrum of locomotives. Chapter 4: Exploring Iconic Train Spotting Locations – Travel the globe as you uncover the best locations for spotting, from bustling urban centers to quiet rural outposts. Chapter 5: Technical and Mechanical Aspects of Trains – Delve into the mechanics of locomotives and understand the technology that powers trains. Learn about the differences between electric, diesel, and steam engines, and explore the evolution of train technology. Chapter 6: Engaging with the Railfan Community – Train spotting isn’t just a hobby; it’s a community. Learn how to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share experiences, and contribute to preserving railway heritage. Chapter 7: Legal and Ethical Considerations – Stay informed about rail safety regulations, legal boundaries, and ethical spotting practices to ensure your activities are conducted responsibly. Chapter 8: Preserving and Celebrating Train Spotting – Your passion for train spotting can leave a lasting impact. Discover how to document your journey, support preservation efforts, and celebrate railway heritage, leaving a legacy for future generations. Chapter 9: Expanding Your Train Spotting Hobby – Take your hobby to the next level by exploring photography, videography, and combining train spotting with travel. Capture stunning images, create engaging videos, and make the most of your adventures. Chapter 10: Spotlight on Technology – Embrace the latest technologies in train spotting, from GPS tracking and drone photography to specialized apps. Learn how these tools can enhance your experience and keep you connected with the global community. Chapter 11: Specialty Trains and Unique Experiences – Explore the world of specialty trains, participate in historical reenactments, and discover unique train spotting practices around the globe. Chapter 12: Conclusion – Reflect on your journey through train spotting with final thoughts, encouragement, and inspiration to keep pursuing your passion and exploring new horizons. Appendices – Expand your knowledge with a glossary of train spotting terms, a list of iconic locations, a sample spotting log, and additional recommended resources. Start your journey today with HowExpert Guide to Train Spotting and unlock the full potential of your hobby. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of spotting unique locomotives, connecting with the railfan community, or exploring new locations, this guide provides everything you need to take your passion to the next level. HowExpert publishes how to guides on all topics from A to Z.




Cowboy & Wills


Book Description

The day Monica learns that her loveable, brilliant three-year-old son, Wills, has Autism, she takes him to buy an aquarium. It's the first in a string of impulsive trips to the pet store to buy animals as a distraction from the uncontrollable, crushing reality of Wills's diagnosis. But while Wills diligently tends to the growing menagerie, what he really wants is a puppy. And one Christmas, when Wills is six, Cowboy Carol Lawrence joins their family. Like all dynamic duos, Cowboy and Wills complement each other perfectly. Wills is cautious, fastidious, and irresistibly tender-hearted. Cowboy, a rambunctious golden retriever, is over-eager, affectionate, and impulsive. And from the moment Cowboy enters their lives, Monica sees her son step a little further into the world. Soon, the boy who could barely say hello to his classmates in kindergarten is sharing stories during morning circle. With Cowboy, he finds the courage to invite kids over for play dates, overcomes his debilitating fear of water to swim alongside her in the family pool, and, after years of gentle coaxing, Wills finally sleeps in his own bed with Cowboy's paws draped across his small chest. And when Cowboy turns out to need her new family as much as they need her, they discover just how much she has taught them -- about devotion, about loyalty, and about never giving up.




Railroads of California


Book Description

California offers travellers a gold mine of railroad points of interest. California has it all: narrow gauge, logging railroads, cable cars, trolleys, interurbans, light rail, main line limiteds, model railroads, historic depots, museums, tourist railroads, and mountain passes. California railroads began in the dark days of the Civil War. Californians have developed numerous railroad museums and tourist railroads that recall the state's wonderful railroad history, making this a true rail fans paradise.







Railfan & Railroad


Book Description




Trains


Book Description




Of Sea Stories and Fairy Tales


Book Description

"Of Sea Stories and Fairy Tales" is of fictional character Lee Harrison Stewart's adventures beginning in 1949, during his first year and a half in the U.S. Navy. His intentions to become a Naval officer as his career, are thwarted by opposing events at college, aboard his first duty assignments after Book Camp on the U.S.S. Chilton APA-38, and U.S. Naval Station Tongue Point, Astoria, Oregon. This is historically a true story --- no shit! The book precedes his adventures developed in the 4 book series about Lee Harrison Stewart in the Korean War on the reincarnated near rust bucket, U.S.S. Hoquiam PF-5. Join Lee in a Navy long gone by current Navy standards.




The Rough Guide to California


Book Description

This in-depth coverage of California's local attractions, sights, and restaurants takes you to the most rewarding spots - from the Hollywood sign to the Golden Gate Bridge to the Redwoods - and stunning color photography brings the land to life on the pages. With a beautiful new cover, amazing tips and information, and key facts, The Rough Guide to California is the perfect travel companion. Discover California's highlights, with expert advice on exploring the best sites, participating in festivals, and exploring local landmarks through extensive coverage of this fascinating location. Easy-to-use maps; reliable advice on how to get around; and insider reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops for all budgets ensure that you won't miss a thing. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to California.




Belonging


Book Description

Appealing to readers of Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing, Kristin Hannah’s Firefly Lane, and Ann Packer’s The Dive from Clausen’s Pier, Belonging is a heartbreaking and hopeful coming of age story that traverses lifelong friendship, first love, and a young woman’s fierce desire to transcend her traumatic childhood. Jenny is thirteen when an epic dust storm rolls into her central California town in December 1977. Bedridden after contracting a life-threatening illness in the storm and suffering a shocking loss, Jenny realizes she will never be cared for by the mother who both neglects and terrifies her or the father who allows it. She relies on her cousin, Heather, who has the loving home Jenny longs for; her beloved great-uncle, Gino, the last link between generations; her best friend, Henry, a free spirit with whom she shares an inexplicable bond; and earnest baseball star, Billy, who becomes her first love. After a stunning turn of events in both their lives, Jenny and Henry leave for college in LA together in the summer of 1982—Jenny fleeing a broken heart, and Henry running from something he can’t reveal, even to his best friend. When she returns home years later, the life Jenny so carefully created collides with the one she left behind. Spanning three decades, Belonging is about first love and heartbreak, friendship and secrets, family and forgiveness, hometowns and coming of age, and memory and music. The heart of the story is Jenny’s struggle to undo the binds of a childhood that have deeply affected her life, the painful path to love endured by children raised in alcoholic families, and the grim reality of believing you must hide a part of yourself in order to belong.