Ghost Train Corner Traditional Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Originally my very first cache hide (long story), on the outskirts of Stonewall -- my adopted home. This is a relatively straightforward cache, near an abandoned railway line which was just recently put out of service.
CPR’s line through Stonewall is the earliest-built western railway line, west of the Red River. In August 1879, a man named John Ryan got a contract to build 100 miles of railway west of the Red River. He hired Donald Mann as superintendent of construction. Ryan and Mann completed the line from Winnipeg northwest to Victoria Junction – three miles east of Stonewall on June 30, 1880. The construction continued west through Stonewall, Hanlan, Meadow Lea and then southwest towards Portage La Prairie through the summer of 1880. The government lost confidence in Ryan’s ability to complete the railroad by his contract’s completion date and took over the project.
Victoria Junction was supposed to be the connecting point with the proposed original main line through Selkirk. Heavy lobbying from Winnipeg resulted in the transcontinental line going through Winnipeg instead of Selkirk. The track along the line west of Stonewall was torn up and rebuilt through Rosser to better align with the new transcontinental CPR line. The line north out of Stonewall was extended to Teulon in 1898, Komarno in 1907 and Arborg in 1910.
The final train heading north out of Stonewall was in the early 2000's. The tracks were completely removed in late 2008/early 2009. The old rail bed entered Stonewall at the south-east corner of town, winds through town past Veterans Memorial Sports Complex, Stonewall Collegiate and Quarry Park, then exits town on the north-east corner. Regular trains stopped running on this line after the demolition of the Stonewall grain elevators -- but if you concentrate hard, you can almost hear the train whistle or horn, and imagine that a train might be coming around either corner from where this cache is located.
Hopefully, now that the track has been ripped up -- the railbed will be used as a multi-use bike/running/walking path. This plan is currently in the town council's hands. It's a very peaceful and scenic route through the town of Stonewall. All that remains of this historic rail line is a handful of rusted spikes that were left behind when the tracks were lifted -- pick one up on your way to the cache as a souvenir!
Enjoy this cache! The first cacher to find gets a FTF certificate -- as well as first choice of many goodies contained within the cache container. Also in this cache are some train-related items, a CD & DVD, and other fun & interesting tradeables for young and old alike. Feel free to blow the wooden train whistle for an even more authentic effect!
There are several different access points and potential parking locations for this cache. A good map and sound judgement will help you to decide. Cache on!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Obk-pne Jvyyl.