Camas Prairie Railnet - Kooskia

After a prompt set on, I road from Lewiston to Kooskia, in the most, with Tod Hill, in his MT14. It took a few days for my sore ribs to settle - what a great time I had.

I was even bestowed honorary membership fo the "Hilltodler Crew" and have a yellow cap to prove it.

Our return trip home was under the threat of rain, although it did not start to spot until we were almost back. The lightening did not help some of the local fire crews as there were a few scrub fires. The sharp wind also threw out my hat. I wasn't too worried about the hat, rather all the MOW and other badges that were attached.

This line still carry's timber and other product. At Kooskia there is a mill and a few other activities that still create business for the railway. At one point on this line, Kamiah, we cross a swing bridge that has swung once. Apparently a competing railroad ran a boat up the river, the Clearwater, to prove that it was navigable, so the railroad then had to install a swing bridge - apparently it only ever swung once; when installed!

The base of the Camas Prairie services, located at Lewistion, is near a major mill. This, with a few other businesses provides most of the business for the railroad.The first section of this line, from Lewiston to Spalding, is shared with tomorrows section up to Cottonwood.

The Boys from Kentucky admire the view at Lenore, whilst some take the time to stretch their legs on the river foreshore.

Others take their time to use the "potty",or to socialise.

The other reason for this photo is the Maxim 3000 "Thing of Beauty and Joy Forever".

Know what that is. See bottom of page!

I am not sure if this was an elevator,a mill or something else. On the way back it was sorting bags of something.

I joined Tod Hill in his MT14 at Lenore, and rode with him the rest of the way.

Lunch at Kooskia, and Jim Creaseman, left and Jim Groover, right walk past Tods car, and Tod, on the ground, on their way back to their cars.

Homeward bound

Jim and Pat Spicer, standing refresh after a swim.

They must be mad. It was only 80 in the shade, and 20 in the water!!!!

Jim Groover has the right idea, a cold drink and a hat!

The fearless swimmers. We were also furnished watermelon by Bonny and Clyde Andrews - still the best watermelon I have had, in the world!

Looking back upstream from the swimming hole.

And on the home stretch, coming back into Lewiston near the Potlach Mill.

Site and contents © Nic Doncaster and John Black, 2003