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Editorial
Railfans, Historians, and Annoyances
During the month of February I was able to attend a wonderful presentation on the old Eel River RR (Vandalia RR) given by Craig Berndt. Mr. Berndt's research is extremely thorough and was very well presented. It was his historian approach that I liked so much. He found photographs, maps, and oral histories pertaining specifically to that railroad and put them together in a very interesting format. Indeed, there were many photos that I had never before seen.
The historian approach is fantastic because it relies on facts. Then there are railfans. Railfans are a very knowledgable group, too. However, they tend to mix circumstances of things they have heard or seen with what they are seeing or hearing at the time. Beyond that, though, they can be great sources of knowledge and seem to know the out of the way things that people sometimes need or want to know.
There remains a few annoying facts about some railfans. It seems that some are intent on displaying "what they know" at all costs. They have either done it, seen it, or know someone that has; and that makes them that much the "better" railfan. Your hobby should not be some kind of knowledge contest. Do NOT interrupt, interject, or correct a presenter during his presentation. Those comments should be reserved for one-on-one communications or, at least, reserved for those that care or will be impressed.
Many hobbies that I have enjoyed through the years have been ruined by those that "know it all" or are "always right." I enjoy facts and helpful and pleasent conversation. I don't care how much you know unless I am paying you for that knowledge. Don't let your pride override your sensibilities. Remember, if I feel this way, there are bound to be others.
Mr. Berndt, fantastic presentation. Thank you.
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Feature
Chicago, South Shore, & South Bend
South Shore train preparing to depart the Windy City.
From a seat on the South Shore, here we see Amtrak and Chicago's METRA. 
A throwback to the days of old, someone still has to man the tower.
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On a foggy September day in 2001 I was fortunate enough to take the South Shore from Michigan City to Chicago. Those that have driven to Chicago should know that the South Shore exists. Truely, this is the only way to enter the Windy City. And, it is cheap, too.
The South Shore is a commutor line that runs from South Bend, Indiana, to Chicago with many stops along the way. Still, this means of travel is far more enjoyable than driving. Along the way, the South Shore passes through Michigan City, the Indiana Dunes State Park (the best camping in the state with beaches and dunes of soft, warm sand rivaled by no other), and Hammond, Indiana, to name a few, with the majority of the travel within sight of beautiful Lake Michigan.
Once on the final turn into Chicago, the right-of-way expands on both sides of you to accomodate many, many sets of track. One can expect to see Amtrak, Chicago's METRA, other South Shore commutors as well as the South Shore freight line. Several of the downtown Chicago stops are within walking distance of many water front attractions including Soldier Field, the aquarium, and various museums.
All in all, I can't wait to take the ride again. The price was right, the trip was pleasent, and the sights of railroading and transportation's past was worth it. Surely, each trip will be unique. What I cannot describe now will only be a pleasure for you. If you haven't done it yet, do it soon. This is travel as it should be. We just need more of it.
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