This week we will say goodbye to one of the finest we know: Mr. Tom Farence. Tommy was a Milwaukee Road man, as Dad was, and the Farence family was always near and dear to us as we grew up. He was a great rail, great photographer and an all around amazing guy with such an innate knowledge of railroading. The stories he could tell would keep you captivated for hours. This photo, taken back in May of 2013 describes Tom all too well: all smiles, elated to be on the property and usually found with a camera around his neck. God speed, Tommy - you know we love ya man, and miss you just the same.

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My son and I wait in line to buy tickets for a baseball game in Klamath Falls, Oregon during 2013.

Tags:   Klamath Falls Klamath Falls, Oregon Oregon Klamath Falls Gems Baseball ballpark

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Eastbound CP train 246-07 ducks beneath the huge WBD absolute signals for Rondout behind a unique CP SD70ACU/SOO GP38-2 combo. This ain't your Fathers' Rondout anymore!

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On September 20, 2012, Montana Rail Link’s day gas local heads east along the Flathead River approaching Perma, Montana, on MRL’s Tenth Subdivision. Powering the train of empty tank cars is MRL EMD SD45 No. 346 and SD40-2XR No. 263.

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From 2011 to 2018, a summer collegiate wood bat team played in our hometown of Klamath Falls, Oregon. The team was named the Gems, in honor of a Class D minor league team that called Klamath home from 1948-51. The name also promoted the potatoes grown in the Klamath Basin. During their eight seasons of play, the Gems' home was Kiger Stadium - a vintage ballpark featuring a wood grandstand built by the original Gems after WWII.

The 21st century Gems began play as a member of the prestigious West Coast League, an organization of baseball teams in the Northwest and Western Canada. After five seasons in the WCL, none of which had a winning record, in 2016 the Gems transferred to the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League in Northern California. After just two seasons, the Gems moved to the Great West League for 2018. Alas, at the end of that season, the league folded. The Gems followed suit not long afterward, ending summer collegiate baseball in the Klamath Basin.

The Gems had a mascot named Tater. How can you not love a mascot that was a bag of french fries? It was undoubtedly a nice, subtle way of urging fans to hit the concession stands. I caught him at a game during a visit to family in 2013. Following the failure of the franchise, you have to wonder what fate befell the mascot's costume.

Tags:   Klamath Falls Oregon USA Baseball mascot collegiate wood bat baseball summer collegiate baseball french fries potatoes potato Klamath Basin

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