First, an overnight nap in Conneaut

ANDOVER, OH – We decided to spend a beautiful sunny afternoon in Andover today, awaiting the quick pass thru of the Union Pacific Railroad Big Boy 2014 steam locomotive. This is the home-bound leg of its cross country journey as the USA continues 250th anniversary celebrations.

Revelers observed in awe as the 1,477,000 lb piece of American railroad history appeared from behind a tree line along the Northbound tracks near Hayes and Mann Rd., moving at approximately 25 mph, just before 1 pm.

With a sharp whistle and enough power to shake the ground Big Boy marveled onlookers. One person sitting in a lawn chair almost 20 yards from the tracks said they were stirred from their seat and had to stand, or they would’ve fallen to the ground.Those sitting in their vehicles even felt the force rippling from the tracks in front of them.

Enjoy this photo gallery taken at the Mann Rd. crossing, between Rt. 6 and Rt. 322.

WHILE WE WERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Big thank you to our friend Hunter and the Hamilton Family Farm for an inside look at a modern Ashtabula County farm! We snuck a view from inside their combine and watched as wheat was harvested and loaded for market. Up next: you’ll find it at kitchens, stores and restaurants near you!