The Annual Pilgrimage To Cajon -- 2009

[rt_wolf]

HI folks,

Just seeing if there was going to be a The Annual Pilgrimage To Cajon -- 2009? Was curious as I have request that Saturday off from work.

Robert T.

[jeff]

RT Wolf and others...

THE CAJON PILGRIMAGE 2009:

Date: Saturday November 28th2009 -- Sunrise to Sunset and Beyond.


Yes, as far as I am concerned, we are on. My schedule at home and work has prevented me from doing much planning for the event, but I have had it on the calendar and am looking forward to this traditional FF&FS event. Hopefully, my new work responsibilites won't preempt my abilitity to attend. Even though last year we were shuffled around the hill and such by the Forest Service, I am going to try to head up and enjoy the day. I guess I would call myself a "definate maybe" for attendance.

EDITED on 11-22-2009: Due to track projects we will not be at Hill 582 as previously posted. We will be at the traditional Pilgrimage location where Powerline Road meets the south track, turn left and up the small the hill. This location does not require crossing any grade crossings to reach.

The photo now attached to this post shows Scott on Pilgrim's Hill looking down at the Powerline Road grade crossing. The first container on the train is at the grade crossing you don't need to cross... I hope this helps for any new Pilgrims find our location.

Several have already mentioned schedule conflicts this Thanksgiving for a variety of reasons. For me, my railfanning has been severely cut back due to changes at my employment and a busy schedule at home. I have no idea at this time if I will make it up bright and early as done in past years, but I am hoping for a Cajon Sunrise again this year.

In the past, the Forest Service has been concerned about our parking and the amount of vehicles in one area. I would suggest that we you arrive, park in such a way that allows for an easy and quick departure, (ie, PLEASE BACK INTO YOUR SPOT SO YOU ARE FACING DOWNHILL AND DON'T BLOCK OTHERS' PATH OF EGRESS!!) The rangers have liked this in the past, and will be one less thing to worry about. Carpooling is encouraged.

I think that covers the basics... And thanks to Robert for bring this up !!

Feel free to add questions, comments, suggestions, etc...

~ jeff

[kenszok]

Is 582 accessible? Due to rail replacement going on, the grade crossing was blocked by welded rail that was dropped along track 3 (south track). I have not heard if it has been unblocked yet. Hopefully, Cajon regulars can add an update on this.

I'm not sure I will participate in this event this year, but hope all of you have fun and stay safe.

[chris_wlkr]

Last I had seen was the grade crossing was still blocked by rail. Likely in the same state as it was in October. Dunno either.

I am not planning on attending this year due to various issues and responsibilities that I am putting first this year.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable time with the turkeys and pilgrims.

Chris

[BNSF 4924]

When I was up on Cajon on Tuesday, they had reinstalled the crossing near the traditional Pilgrimage location, but I haven't visited the crossing near 582 since last week when the work train was dumping rock.

[rt_wolf]

Last time I was there the grade crossing was blocked. But if you take the Santa Fe Fire road near the I15 Northbound on-ramp and then take the maintance road along Track 2. It will take you to hill 582.

I will head up there around 5am after work. However since I will be there after working a graveyard shift, i would like to know who else will be going.

Robert T.

[Amtrakboy32]

Does anyone have a map provided with directions? Or will this be at 582 again?

~Danny - Attempting to get there around sunrise

[rt_wolf]

I am going to hedge a bet that it will be at Hill 582, which I think would be better then camp Bass. Since last year we got chased out for "staging" at Camp Bass, and Hill 582 is a known Railfanning location.

[VintageRailClub]

Can't make it ths year as I will be in Phoenix for thanksgiving with friends. Bummer as this will be the first event I miss in about 2 years.

Fred

[Holloran Grade]

My spies tell me the rail on the lower track was put in back at the begining of November, but I don't know if the crossing has been restored.

There were new cement blocks similar to the new ones down at Fullerton on site back in October for the crossing.

You can still park down near the crossing and walk up the hill. (God forbid anybody do any walking up in Cajon.):omg:

The other thing would be to make sure you park on the edge of the road(s) so others can get around and don't park within 20 feet of a track.

Don't drive off a road - that is illegal and it screws up the resource (the desert habitat) and pack out your trash.

Also, if you feel altruistic, grab some of the other crap that is out there and take it to a trash can. (I do this on occasion and to get it out of a picture or two.)

I would be surprised if anybody sees Forest Service people up there, but I don't go out there on Weekends, so they maybe patrolling then.

If anybody needs specific direction on how to get to Hill 582 you could PM me, or just ask. It is really easy and the roads are hard and fairly flat right now (unless it rains).