I was in Capitola yesterday and today and caught the Patterson & Associates bridge inspection crew at work on the Capitola Bridge. The SCCRTC hired them to inspect the line before they take possession. They had an Under Bridge Inspection Unit (UBIU), which I have never seen in operation.










The method used to inspect the bottom of the bridge was very interesting to watch.












This looks like it should be a ride at the Boardwalk.







Interesting to see the articulated arm and bucket go down one side of the bridge and back up the other side.





Many people stopped to ask what was going on and I explained the purpose of the inspection and the future of the branch line. Most of the homes on one side of Soquel Creek are vacation rentals and it was interesting to talk with the people staying there. One family has been coming back every year for 40 years. Other people I talked with remembered the Suntan Special crossing the bridge many decades ago. Getting out and photographing the line, with or without trains, continues to be a very interesting and enriching experience.

BTW, the short list for branch line operators includes Roaring Camp and Iowa Pacific. We should know in a few months which proposer gets awarded the contract.