The Walt Disney Family Museum

So, after a late check-in in Emeryville last night(About 12:30), an early morning off to the Presidio and the Walt Disney Family Museum.

This amazing tribute to Walt and what he accomplished in his life is truly amazing. As part of the event I had but two hours to take in all of the exhibits. At my third gallery I was informed that there were ten in all. That was about an hour in, and I thought I was rushing! So, needless to say I hustled through the remaining seven galleries. I had brought in my sketch book as no cameras are allowed. To take in the museum at a pace I would prefer will probably involve being there for many days, I figure about 4-5.

The presentation of the making of The Great Locomotive Chase with Fess Parker(Originally aired on the Disneyland TV show) was a great bonus to the screening of the feature. The Q & A after word was very informative and incredibly entertaining. The speakers being Bob Gurr(Legendary Imagineer from working with Walt), Michael Broggie(Disney Historian, friend to Walt), Ray Spencer(Current Imagineer, working on the new 'Red Car' for California Adventure), and animator John Kimball(Son of Ward Kimball, one of Walt's "Nine Old Men").

All I can say after a life of studying animation and fan of Disney is... Wow. *!!!!!!* (Sigh)


Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Still heading up the coast

We are still heading North. I am able to stand in the vestibule between cars and hang out the windows on both sides. The smell of the surf and lots of plants in bloom, wow. The views are amazing, even rolling past Brandenburg AFB and seeing rocket and missile towers, while on the other side surf and cliffs. I am very happy I came.

Thanks to April in allowing me to do this.
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Departure

The group is assembled and we're heading out on two private rail cars at the end of an Amtrak run. The dome car Burlington Silver light and a Pullman from New York Central, the Two Rivers. This is going to be fun!
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Union Station, Los Angeles

Well, I was up with little effort after the great time I had last night, and have returned to where I was just 24 hours ago. I'll be heading North this time, to San Francisco, a journey which should prove most interesting.

The photos that have been accompanying the posts will come to a stop unless I can sort out a camera glitch with my phone. Something that so far has eluded me.

Updates will also be slower in coming as I think this will be the more distracted during this part of the trip.

Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Arrived in LA!

Got into LA about 45 minutes early. Time to eat and then find my hotel.
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Almost There.

The train has just left San Bernadino heading West for the final stop in LA. Looks like we'll be in a tad early, which is nice. Now it will be a matter of figuring out where to get some breakfast.
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Just West of Thoreau, New Mexico

The views of the buttes for the past hour or so have been amazing. The train is just north of I-40(Historic Route 66). Yes, someday soon I will need to make this drive, it's beautiful!
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Albuquerque

Time for a pit stop, 45 minutes to stretch my legs. Checking out the vendors on the platform, we travelers are quite the captive audience. A lot of jewelry tables, pitching the wares of the Southwest. Lots of turquoise & silver.

Looking forward to a call later with the family, celebrating my sibling's Birthday!

Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Rain In New Mexico

I have watched the grassy openness give way rocks and red soil. Scraggly plants and anemic trees vie for the moisture in the soil. The train rolls through the hills, taking that winding path of streams when it rains.

We're pulling into a siding to let the counterpart train heading East, to pass. Once past, our next stop will be Lemy, NM.
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Las Vegas!

New Mexico that is. Where were you thinking of?

Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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The Rockies.

It is interesting for me to see the looming mountains in the hazy distance. The rather flat midwest doesn't inspire as much awe of scale. I'm getting some pictures in, though I think I will get more on the way back.

Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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La Junta Colorado

Got off for a few minutes to do the stretching of the legs ritual. Besides plenty of sunshine and warmer air, there were six vendors lined up on the platform selling their wares. Some made over seas trinkets and locally made jewelry, as well as an assortment of books and magazines, all a bit wore at the edges. There were even two people with original postcards and note cards.

If things stay on time, 25 more hours to go! Looking forward to Friday night Tiki time!
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Lamar Colorado

A very brief stop. On mountain time now. Been sleeping in spurts, which leads me to believe that my first night in LA will be a cinch in getting to sleep. Lots of farm fields and grazing land as far as the eye can see.
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Topeka!

Stopped at one of the AT&SF namesake cities! All that's left of that railroad is now the BNSF.

I sit here watching videos, catching glimpses of scenery at night illuminated by an almost full moon, or the periodic puddles of man made light that exsist between stops. The gentle snoring or heavy breathing of several people to let me know I'm one of the few awake. The lady across the aisle has taken the blanket off her head once since I got on. Granted I have not been in my seat this whole time.

So far so good on keeping to the schedule, but there's more than a day to go yet.

Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Lawrence Kansas

Arrived here 10 minutes early! The crew looks like they are trying to keep things on schedule!
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Continued travels

Rolling through Missouri right now, stopped in La Plata about 45 minutes ago. We seem to be about 30 minutes behind at the moment. I'm hoping we make up some of the time over night with fewer stops. Otherwise, at this rate we'll be into LA a lot later than I was hoping.

Fingers are crossed.

Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Crossing the Mighty Mississippi!

We are about to stop in Fort Madison, IA. Enjoying some pizza as I watch the sun go down. It's been a while since I've been able to travel so far while enjoying the view.
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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Mendota

First stop, Mendota, IL. They have a small railroad museum out here. May have to day trip it sometime soon!

The switching Geep is for the boys, but we all know I like trains too.
Brian "Buckaroo" Ballinger
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New Web Site Up And Running

So there has been a redesign in the works for a while, at the moment I will not be looking to sell pieces as much as showcasing what I have at the moment. Thoughts and comments are welcome.

http://buckaroobazaar.com/

Wow, a whole month!

Shame on me. It's been a whole month since I posted.

I've got a new phone, going from a 3 year old Blackjack to a brand new Blackberry 9700. Oh so nice.

I've seen the Losers, it was quite entertaining. A great Action Comedy. Iron Man 2 is fantastic. I'd like to see it again.

I'm heading out to L.A. Memorial Day weekend. By train no less. I'm heading west to attend an event for the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. It sounds important, it is if you like trains and Walt Disney. I'm looking forward to the train ride from L.A. to San Francisco with so many Disney people. More on this soon....