After a morning of sitting in my international relations class, I felt the need to take a short excursion. Naturally, my travels led me to the old Tidewater Southern. As I drove along French Camp Road and HWY 120, I held out hope that I would eventually stumble upon the Tidewater Local on its return trip from Escalon. Paralleling the right-of-way for more than twelve miles, there was no sign of a headlight or movement along the line. But upon entering Escalon proper, a unambiguous UP Geep suddenly became visible. I made a quick about-face in town and jumped ahead of the train.

At Wagner, UP 1212 leads the LRS51 back toward Stockton, trundling past an orchard of nonpareil almonds.

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