Petroleum to Pennsboro; Distance = 19 Miles; People Met = 9
We camped at a primitive camping area in Petroleum which was reported to have a pump, but didn’t. We obtained water instead from Judd and Diane Fulks, who have taken an active interest in the North Bend Rail Trail virtually in their backyard.
Sonny, Judd and Diane Fulks
Around lunch time we were hailed by David Richards, who was sitting on the back of a Division of Natural Resources truck waiting for his uncle Ray to come by in a grader. The two of them were part of a four man crew responsible for maintaining the North Bend River Trail. David wanted to make it clear we were welcome to use the nearby picnic table, one of many found along the NBRT. We took him up on the offer and when Ray came by we all took a lunch break. David handed us a Pepsi (which Ray prefers) and Coke (which David prefers).
Ray and David Richards
Ray talked about the exploitation of resources in the area. He share that a gas company offered him $30.000 to put up a well on his land he wouldn’t take it. They called him crazy but he countered that the only thing important to him was living right. He included being kind to people as one of the criteria for living right.
We encountered a few tunnels today, the longest being Silver Run by where we met Ray and David. The Silver Run Tunnel is also the haunted tunnel, with a story about a beautiful woman (all apparitions seem to be beautiful) showing up at the end of the tunnel whenever a train came through. That kept happening until they found her bones under the porch of a nearby house. Nobody occupies that house anymore.
Railroads are the topic for this “tunnel podcast.”
Other Photo
Obviously not impressed
