Man vs God

In the realm of national parks, I have a personal preference for man's accomplishments. God does great work with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the like, but we're also endowed with great talent and ability by the Creator, and I love witnessing those achievements. My absolute favorite is the Golden Spike National Monument in Promontory Summit, UT. The story of the two railroads racing together from east(Union Pacific) and west (Central Pacific) ,the challenges they overcame, the speed with which they laid track, the mountains they moved and even the purely human aspects- corruption, Indian conflict, Hell on Wheels... It's amazing and a testament to American drive and ingenuity.
They keep the 119 and the Jupiter in the engine house this time of year, but that allows Ranger Dave to go into great detail about the machines and their stories. One runs on wood, the other coal. One for passengers, the other freight. Neither were the special engines designated for the ceremony, but served as replacements.
All stuff that makes me giddy. Even Marina admitted this was very cool.

The work involved is well represented also, from the Big Fill to the cuts through hillsides to the different types of ties used. And how did they get those locomotives to the west coast anyway? By ship of course, and after a 4 - 6 month voyage around south America they were pretty rusty prior to reassembly.

Not to worry, we'll certainly be praising God as we get into California's parks this week.