Saturday's track side trip brought me some unusual surprises that proved to
be rather pleasant on both occasions. The first one happened down on CSX's
Trenton Line at the Hillsborough's (NJ) Sunnymeade Road grade
crossing. Eastbound CSX intermodal Q190 (Philadelphia, PA to Kearny, NJ) was
headed east. Its leader was HLCX 7175 (SD40-2; ex-BN/BNSF) along with CSX 8726
(SD60I; ex-CR 5585) trailing. After I had photographed it passing my vantage
point I decided to try for another image further east at another public grade
crossing. Making it to that second photo location with time to spare I would
wait for its arrival. Shortly thereafter a white SUV stopped and rolled down its
window. The driver was a CSX police officer. What followed was a pleasant
conversation about railroad photography, safety around railroads and other
assorted topics of general interest. This happened to be a chance meeting and
the ensuing conversation turned out to be very enjoyable. We concluded our
meeting when he extended his hand to shake and said "Be safe!" I reciprocated by
doing the same and then we went our separate ways. This chance cordial meeting
and ensuing spontaneous conversation added to my day's enjoyment of being track
side.
