I tell ya Wes, these kids don't know how good they've got it!

Actually, I think overall I had it way better back when I was hardcore shooting the pass. Still, there have been a few changes that are better for today's breed of Stevens photogs. Sunset Falls access being one of them. They were surprised when I told them about the gate keeper at the little store. I kid you not guys, back in the day, you had to park at the store, leave your name, address and phone number with the little old lady who owned it, then walk in from there. If you didn't want to do that, you could leave your car keys instead...I'm serious. If you didn't do one of the two, she'd have the sherrif on you in no time.

The other thing that surprised me were all the really good shots that were coming from "the Slot" in the winter...and multiples..you know, a train in "the Slot" during the winter, and then another of the same train approaching the east portal of the tunnel. I just figured those young guys were fast walkers because the White Pines road was a summer only show. Well, not anymore. It's maintained year round, even the turnout at the bridge you see in Steve's shot posted here is plowed out! Nice!

Still, I'm glad for the days I was up there when places like Sunset and the Slot were a hassle to get to. Back then I had the place pretty much to myself.

Time marches on....with or without snow shoes!

Martin Burwash