Obrien's Cafe, Sedalia, CO in Tales of the Jointed Track

I had to take the Denali in to the Dealer, with a bad engine sensor. I arrived at 700 am and checked in. They gave me a 2018 Chevy Colorado pick up. Like a Canyon, not a Denali, Gas powered, walks the dog as well.

I-25

I-25 is I-25. This is the North to south access through Colorado. Now the north Metro and the south Metro have grown. The towns north of Denver and south of Denver have grown as well. Castle Rock is one. The Interstate is overburdened, with commuter traffic from the Springs and Pueblo and vice versa. I feel fortunate, I left late, and took I-25, but surprisingly, I arrived at MEDVED CHEVROLET 2 minutes before the service department opened. My house to Castle Rock is 18 miles. The loaner and I left. I forgot my cell phone, so no pictures, but I’ll try to make a video or get some pictures when I get the Canyon back.

Castle Rock:
Medved is about 2-3 miles south of town on the south access road. I am not going back home via I-25 northbound. I also thought hmmm Obriens for breakfast YESS!!! I took the back way, like I did, when I troubleshooted. Plum Creek PKWY to the 4-way stop at Wolfensburger Road. LOL the same Wolfensburger Road, that I caught old bad order RCE’s in my early railroad career. It then turn into Coachline Road. At the stoplight right onto Meadows PKWY. Six years ago, this too was a 4-way stop sign. I cannot believe the growth. At the intersection of Meadows and Prairie Hawk, save me this has grown with businesses and restaurants.

When I did the day troubleshooter, to inspect the emergency unit, staged at Castle Rock, Prairie Hawk was my access. It basically for local traffic dead ends at Wolfensburger Rd. Across the light and a mile down on semi paved and dirt road, there you are, Acme Brick, Castle Rock siding,(what is left of it ), and the House Track.

Proceeding down Meadows PKWY to Highway 85, this too has grown. There is an Outlet Mall here and it has expanded. Heading northwest on 85 toward Sedalia, a new exit access, and a bridge that flies over 85. To the right is Castle Rock PKWY, to the left North Meadows Drive. This flies over the North and Southbound mail lines. To be politically correct Main 2 and Main 1. Highway 85 follows the northbound ( main-2 ) from MP 28.5 (Meadows PKWY) to about MP 17.7, just north of the old Acequia siding. I notice from the road, a lot of these crossings have been made QZ marked or Quiet Zone.

A QZ or Quiet Zone means you do not blow for the crossings, unless an emergency condition exists, or M.O.W are working on or near the tracks, ( you’ll get a Gang Order, Form B with limits MP to MP). In QZ crossings you just ring the bell.

The QZ was from MP 28.5 all the way to Sedalia, which is MP 24.7.

Obrien’s Cafe … Sedalia:
I haven’t been there for four years or so. Shame on me, it is only 15-20 minutes away. It is still the same. The six stool counter and the many tables and booths. Donna is manning the store, there are the farmer rancher crowd in for coffee and/or breakfast. I am recognized, although I don’t have on an Orange vest and overalls. She says not many rails anymore. I explained that they took the Troubleshooter’s job off. Big Lift, is now an auto facility. Many of us who came in are retired. Breakfast for the dumb old rail. Chicken Fried Steak and eggs. Don’t tell the wife!!!! Good as it always has been. Brought back many memories. Fancy no it isn’t, but a mom n pop place.

Thanks for reading ...........

Last updated June 25, 2018