I won't go into too much detail, but this has been a terrible 2 months for me as I lost my first and only baby boy, followed by the demise of my partners health, followed by major lifesaving surgery at the cost of her womb and any future children together.
I needed to break away from the hospital for a day and I can't tell you a better gift than to be able to enjoy my all-time favorite railroad and locomotive in Michigan's beautiful upper peninsula.
I drove 16 hours in 1 calendar day and managed to chase the old Baldwin RS12 for a few hours in splendid sunlight. Although nothing can replace what was taken from me, I was reminded that there is still such a thing as happiness. I hope you enjoy the photos found on this two page feature the Baldwin Diesel Zone has done on my trip:
http://baldwindiesels.railfan.net/els/m ... tory1.html
http://baldwindiesels.railfan.net/els/m ... tory2.html

Love this short nose roster of old 300 looking just fantastic in the Omaha orange and Pullman green.

The pride of the Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad. Michigan's "Baldwin Road"

Wells, MI on the original E&LS track

Baldwin 300 and the picturesque Escanaba River where Daniel Wells sawmill formed the backbone of the original logging line.

ELS 300 at Groos about to get onto the CN trackage to Pembine, WI

Escanaba & Lake Superior passenger extra at Pembine, WI

Party flatcar ELS 7000

ELS Dolly Madison Parlor Car at Pembine, WI

The Mighty 400 taking charge of the special train at Pembine, WI. Note the white flags moved up to the front of the GP38.