Patience was rewarded at Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, PA. (Horseshoe Curve from above looks like a 3/4 mile long horseshoe made for trains to travel up the steep grades of the hills in that part of Pennsylvania. Trains struggle on just two or three percent grades. Horseshoe Curve flattens out the steepness.) Three trains over one mile long came through eventually. Not all the loads were double deckers, but there was a train composed only of loaded coal cars, pulled by four engines and pushed by four engines. Those engines at the rear are called -- can you guess it? -- pushers. You guys are so smart.

What was way more unusual, given the history of coal in this country, is that the incredible tonnage of anthracite was coming from the west to the east. Unheard of not that long ago.

It's a fun place to be. We always meet interesting people there. This time, among others, a couple from England and two 80+ year old women, one of which is traveling the country via Amtrak and writing about the good and bad parts of such a journey for people of her age. She's got some good stories to tell already. Not sure where and how she'll be published, but her last name is Beattie. I'll be looking for her adventures.