I thought Roaring Camp in Felton, California was just a place for steam train rides through the Redwood forest. Thomas the Train visits annually in the summer and we visited years ago, but I had little to no memory of anything else besides the Thomas friends’ trains.

Recently I learned that Roaring Camp is a preserved setting of an 1880’s American logging town. It’s an experience of stepping back into time replete with blacksmithing, tent settlements, gold panning, wool spinning, candle making, a small schoolhouse, and steam trains chugging among the redwood trees. What a refreshing time it was to smell the trees, kick up dirt, and sit under the shade of acorn-filled trees. I had many Thoreau moments.

Here are some of my “Which Way” photos from Roaring Camp:

The photo below is shared to show how realistic the costumed docents were in their tent abode. They blended in so naturally with their roles and setting that I almost believed they lived there. But looking around there wasn’t much evidence of their belongings, so I think it’s accurate to say they are dressed-up actors.

My imagination gets ahead of me sometimes.

Costumed docents. The gentleman on the right calls himself “Cookie.” Maybe cause he’s the cook? Or does he love to eat cookies? Questions??? Questions???