(Don't know why this didn't get posted when sent last week, but I'll
try again; unfortunately, the original text was lost when posting
was denied . . . c'est la guerre . . . )

The Kinzua Viaduct, located near the Allegheny National Forest in
northwestern Pennsylvania, was toppled in a direct hit by an unusual
tornado on July 21st. Originally constructed in 1882 and then
rebuilt in 1900 to carry heavier trains of lumber and ore from the
region, the impressive structure had become a major tourist
attraction after freight use ended. At 301 ft. in height, the 2,000-
ft. steel trestle was the highest in the whole world when built and
remained fourth highest to date. An excursion train, the Knox and
Kane Railroad scheduled regular 96-mile round trips from Marienville,
PA, continuing to cross the bridge until last summer, when that
service was suspended pending repairs to strengthen it, especially
against high winds! This work had already commenced when about half
of the trestle was toppled into the deep ravine last month by the
tornado.

After I had discovered this excursion train several years ago, I did
indeed enjoy the trip to and over the Viaduct. Returning to the
Kinzua Bridge State Park in May 2001 with fellow letterboxer, St.
George, we hid a box under a rocky outcrop well away from a paved
path. Although the clues were never published here, for personal
reasons, the LB remained in place.

Returning again last week to check its condition, with the intent of
publishing the clues at last, I found the State Park devastated but
remarkably still open to visitors via special marked paths to the
overlook. About half the structure lies on the floor of the ravine,
blown completely clear of its footings. A swath of trees on the
opposite side of the ravine upwind of the trestle lies completely
prostrate, as though felled by a giant scythe. And the site of the
letterbox is buried several feet deep under fallen and splintered
trees! The excursion train continues to run, though, and was
standing at the end of the Viaduct when I arrived at noon.
(Information at www.knoxkanerr.com, or 814-927-6621.) This would
make a memorable autumn outing.

Whether the historic trestle will be rebuilt has not yet been
determined, although it is hardly less of a tourist attraction even
as it is. When placed, the letterbox was envisioned as one uniquely
accessible by train; now, if and when it is recovered or replaced,
it may remain unique in having gone through a tornado. Stay
tuned . . .
- Bob / 'Cock o' the Trail'