Saturday, July 9, 2011

Golden Spike National Site

In anticipation of our train trip to Colorado in the fall, we have been learning about trains. Enoch has done a report on trains, attended a Thanksgiving Point day camp about trains (Transportation Station) and Gavin will be earning his Railroading Merit Badge in a few weeks. As a family, along with Grandpa and Grandma Randall and Aunt Elaine and Uncle Max, we visited Golden Spike National Site. I have to say, it was quite fun.
We started the morning by watching the trains, the Jupiter and Engine No. 119, pull onto the tracks. They are magnificent engines, very colorful and loud! We walked around them, but no touching - they are very hot! The engineers were great and answered all of Enoch's questions.










As we were exploring the trains, a man asked Greg if he would like to volunteer to be in the re-enactment. Greg is always on board for things like that. He played the part of L.W. Coe. A few times a day during the summer, the rangers and volunteers at Golden Spike put on a production of the ceremony of the Golden Spike. It was fun (maybe a bit long) to see what happened. Greg did great with his part of presenting the hammer that drove in the four spikes that day.



We spent a little time in the Visitor Center looking for answers to Enoch's Jr. Ranger booklet. We finally found them all and Enoch earned his badge. They made an announcement to all the Visitor Center. Enoch was quite proud and a bit embarrassed.

We had a great time. Even though it's a bit out of your way, it is a very fun place to visit.

2 comments:

Michelle Kelly said...

So fun! Your kids look like they had a great time!

Gayle J. Randall said...

What a great day! We're so glad we could spend it with all of you! It's a memory we will cherish.