We have lived outside of Altoona for eight months, but this past weekend was our first trip to the Horseshoe Curve. This famous stretch of railroad was completed in 1854 and declared an “engineering marvel.”
We took the funicular to the top where we claimed seats on a park bench to wait for the trains. Really, people do this. Little boys count the cars, and grown men listen to mobile receivers that track train activity.
We also drove around the Gallitzin Tunnels, through Ebensburg, and past the Allegheny Portage Railroad site.
And before we knew it, it was 3pm, and we were famished.
When we got home we combined a soup mix from McGinnis Sisters — which included dried beans and rice — with onions, carrots, celery, spinach, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce for a hearty and healthy early dinner.
What’s your go to easy dinner?
Ours is migas or any egg mixture. . . hearty, somewhat healthy and breakfast is great for any meal! 🙂 http://elizabethann1981.blogspot.com/2010/10/migas.html
I don’t eat soup – yes, I know I’m weird – but this looks delicious! I love the tree pic too!
Many years ago, when security was a bit looser at the Curve, we jumped the fence, crossed the tracks, and climbed to the top of the cut at Kittanning Point, across from the visitors area. From that angle, you can see the dramatic difference in elevation from the lower end to the upper end, and it’s really impressive. Especially so, when you consider the excavation for the project was done primarily by Irish immigrants using nothing more than picks, shovels, and wheelbarrows!
OK, reminiscing and history lesson are over now. Sounds like a great “local” day!
Thanks for sharing, Sam! I can totally picture you doing this!
Ahhh I only made it to the Horseshoe Curve once but it’s really gorgeous in the fall. Great photos!