The Caboose is an icon of American Railroading. Developed in the early days as a home away from home for train crews it survived the end of steam locomotives by about three decades. When railroads started to retire cabooses in favor for advanced end of train devices, train minded pople realized the idealistic value of those cars and therefore many got the chance to live a second life. Some 30 cabooses of various origin found a new home at the Railroad Park Motel and Resort in Dunsmuir, CA. Embedded in the beautiful mountains and in close proximity to Mount Shasta, the little town of Dunsmuir is a railroad jewell of its own. Still a division point on the Union Pacific line on the border between Oregon and California, one can find remarks to past importance as a major service station on the railroad. Today most is gone but Amtrak Coast Starlight trains still stop briefly each day, the yard features one of the nowadays rare turntables and keeps snow removal equipment in storage. While in town I highly recommend checking out Dunsmuir Brewery Works for awesome micro brews and tasty food as well as the Corner Bakery for breakfast (mind their opening days!).