This is the 2nd of a series of 7 geocaches located in Hornepayne and along Highway 631 from White River to Hornepayne. I had to take my son to catch the Via Rail Train at Hornepayne to return to college. We arrived early (3:45 am) to catch the train arriving at 4:30 am. We discovered that the train was late, so we were able to set up 3 caches in Hornepayne in the dark by 4:45 am. We decided to set-up several caches in the area, namely because there were no caches in Hornepayne or on the road to Hornepayne from the south. Four more caches were setup along the highway 631 to White River. This cache is located near the Old Hornepayne Railway Station that was in use until the mid-1980's. The cache is located above the ground, so should be an easy find in the winter.
The micro cache is a very small camouflaged tube. There is no room for a writing instrument so you will need to bring one with you. Stealth may be required to retrieve the cache container.
Cache container was replaced and moved on July 24, 2023. Coordinates were updated - please see my log from July 24, 2023. Cache container is smaller size hanging to an evergreen tree - go up the sloop to find the cache
History of the former CNR Station: The former Canadian National Railways (CNR) station at Hornepayne, Ontario was built in 1921 at Mileage 572.4 northwest of Toronto, Ontario. Ever since railway lines passed through this region, Hornepayne has played an important role as divisional point, service centre and refueling depot. Its initial growth and continued prosperity are based on these railway functions and the expansion of CNR activities in the town. Unlike many small northwestern Ontario communitieAugusts, the CNR has not significantly reduced its local operations in Hornepayne and continues to employ several hundred people in the offices, yards and shops. The station, however, has been vacant since the mid-1980s when a new office building and VIA Rail waiting room were constructed east of the 1921 structure. Vandalism has necessitated the boarding up of all windows and doors.
More information on the former CNR station at Hornepayne can be found at the following website: http://cnr-in-ontario.com/Reports/Index.html?http://cnr-in-ontario.com/Reports/RSR-154.html If you look north from this location, across the railway tracks you will see the former "Concrete Coal Dock" and the "Railway Round House" used for the steam trains that ran through this area until the mid to late 1950's.
More information on the Railway Roundhouse from http://www.hornepayne.com/: "Hornepayne proudly boasts having one of the the last indoor roundhouse in the world. "The Engine House was built in 1921, now 80 years old. Straight rectangular structure 223 feet x 287 feet (approx. 64,000 square feet). The concrete foundations go 7 feet below grade to cope with the severe cold.
The concrete was carried up to the level of the window sills and the rest of the wall is brick pier construction. "The interior harbors an 80 foot turntable radiating from which are sixteen 8 foot engine pits with two entry tracks and one emergency exit. The engine house on Hornepayne is still in operation and for all you railway buffs, this building must be seen to be appreciated."