Golden Spike
'Cake and Mwah (sic) had just finished reading Stephen Ambrose's "Nothing Like it in the World," about the construction of the US transcontinental railroad, completed 10 May1869. We decided to do a day trip today, 18 August 2025, from Park City, UT to Promontory Point, where the east bound and west bound railway segments joined, near the north end of the Great Salt Lake.
Our route more or less paralleled the northern Utah routing of the Union Pacific west bound section of the transcontinental railway reaching Promontory Point where the Union Pacific locomotive, 119, like us, coming from the east, met, 10 May 1859, cowcatcher to cowcatcher, the Central Pacific, Jupiter locomotive, east bound section.
These days it's hard to internalize the significance of the transcontinental railway. But its completion signified the beginning of an era in America equal import to the widespread use of electricity which was to come some twenty-five years later. Before 10 May 1869 it took almost five months to travel overland from New York City to San Franciso. After 10 May 1869, it took a week.
Commentary on our excursion below.
Above: Two Utah police officers, Eric Estrada and Lee Sorensen, Tremonton, UT police force.
Officers Estrada and Sorensen were killed the line of duty last night (17 August 2025) as they attempted to deal with a domestic violence situation in Tremonton, UT. I noticed a report on the tragedy late last night on my social media. At 3:00 AM I passed on the message via email to the Governing Board of the Utah 1033 Foundation, of which I am a member. Among other things, the 1033 Foundation provides immediate cash payments to the family members of Utah fallen officers.
Coincidentally, our excursion destination, Promontory Point is in Utah's Box Elder County only 20 miles from Tremonton where the officers were killed. Around 9:00 AM, while driving north to Promontory Point from Park City, I received a telephone call from Tore Steen, Founder and Chairman of 1033. We commiserated on the tragic loss. I told him that I was in the area and would be happy to help fulfill 1033's obligations if needed.
Heidi Hatch (KUTV 2)
Yesterday at 12:10 AM ·
�� #BREAKING UPDATE: Heartbreaking news tonight, Two Tremonton Garland Police Department officers were killed and a deputy wounded.
Mayor Lyle Homgren confirmed the deaths of the officers, saying they gave "the ultimate sacrifice."
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers and pray for the quick recovery of the wounded deputy. We mourn with their loved ones, their fellow officers, and the entire community that feels this loss so profoundly," Homgren said.
The incident remains active, with a large police presence near 700 N 100 E. Details have not yet been confirmed by officials.
My sincere condolences to the officers families and the community grieving such a significant loss. ��Heidi Hatch
Above: Promontory Point. Box Elder County, UT. 18 August 2025.
Bishop 'n 'Cake. Background replica 119 locomotive (Union Pacific) moving towards replica Jupiter locomotive (Central Pacific) out of the picture.
Right here, on 10 May 1869, Leland Stanford, CEO of the Central Pacific Railroad and Thomas C. Durant, VP of the Union Pacific Railroad drove the final spike, a ceremonial golden spike, into the tie thereby officially linking the east and west coasts of the United States by rail. Both Stanford and Durant missed the spike on their respective swings. Central Pacific construction boss James Strobridge stepped up to complete Stanford's swing and unknown Union Pacific workers backed up Durant.
Close your eyes and meditate. Imagine the celebration that took place.
Above: Bishop at the Spiral Jetty. Great Salt Lake salt water a half mile beyond. 18 August 2025. The Spiral Jetty is reached by dirt road fifteen miles beyond the Golden Spike Monument.
I once saw a list entitled, Top 25 art works in the world. I noted, and expected to note, such pieces as Michaelangelo's David, da Vinci's Mona Lisa on the list. But, like number 23, was The Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson. (!!!!).
Above: Spiral Jetty at time of completion. April 1970.
You can see comparing the contemporary image above with the black and white image that the Spiral Jetty is on the point of disappearing with sand and salt covering the feature. During the 2022 and 2023 heavy snow fall winters brought the lake level and the salt and sand that comes with that condition to the jetty. Where the heck is the Smithson Foundation? If this is one of the most important of the world's art pieces, why has it been allowed to deteriorate almost to the point of disappearance?
In 2016, with Bronx Girl and Hoops, TIMDT and Mwah (sic) visited Dia Beacon Museum, seventy miles up the Hudson River from New York City. Some of Smithson's works are housed there. One was a seeming random pile of glass shards. I asked the docent, a 25ish year old female, if Smithson actually created that pile of shards. "Oh no," she said. "Smithson has been dead for forty-six years. However, his foundation is authorized to recreate his art pieces." Well the Smithson Foundation better get out to fix the vaunted Spiral Jetty toot sweet!
'Cake and Mwah encountered two couples at the Spiral Jetty. Coincidentally, both couples were from D.C. and they were there separately. They didn't know one another. First couple: Guy was a congressional researcher and the gal worked at the Smithsonian. They came to see the Spiral Jetty. Me: "Did you guys stop to see the Golden Spike Monument up the road?" Guy: "No, what's that?" Second Couple: They were returning from a saltwater swim beyond the Spiral Jetty, walking back, right by the Spiral Jetty. The couple were mother and son. Me: "So are you here to see the Spiral Jetty?" Guy: "What's that? We came to swim in the Great Salt Lake." Me: "Well, you're walking right by the Spiral Jetty. It's considered by some art aficionados to be one of the world's great art pieces." Guy: "Wow, really?" Mwah (sic): Did you stop to see the Golden Spike Monument 15 miles back up the dirt road you came here by? Guy: "No, what's that."
To couples from DC and neither fully up to speed on the important sites to see in this area. Well, at least they weren't home playing video games.
Above: Provo, UT, my home town, and mountains above. File image from Facebook.
One of the several wildfires burning in Utah. Image captured from Saratoga on NW side of Utah Lake.
Addendum
Lithium battery in theDuc?
Dr. G,
Crow Agency, MT
Yes.
A BIG HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY HUG to my handsome and very dear friend Steve (Bishop) today and all the days until next year when you do this again.
May you continue to see beauty in the 🌏and all people in your unique way.
Always with love
❤️Spago,
Marina del Rey, CA
Hi Steve,
Congratulations on reaching your milestone birthday of 80. You don’t act your age (that’s meant as a compliment).
Best wishes for many more happy and healthy years to come.
Sincerely,
Tim,
Colorado Springs, CO
Happy 80th birthday, Steve! How wonderful to be all together with your family!!
Gerry and Mary,
Sarasota, FL
You are 8 months younger than me.
Keep powering on . . .
Exercise, lifting weights like Rita Ellithorpe MD(longevity Tust1n) says. Needed.
80 on dec 31 2024
Mano,
San Jose, CA
Bishop's 80th very skinny Steve 😎
Mr. Z3,
La Quinta, CA
Happy Birthday, Steve!
I hope this won’t slow down your travels as I really enjoy vicariously the trip myself through your travelogues.
Your family is looking GREAT!
Best wishes to all.
Dave
Poulsbo, WA
Dear Steve,
I realize I am late in wishing you. Wishing you a very happy 80th birthday.
In our culture we seek blessings from those who attain the golden age of 80.
Infact 60th and 80th are significant milestones which are celebrated particularly in Southern Indian culture.
Please convey my regards to Margaret.
Best Wishes
Mohan,
New Delhi, National Capitol Territory
Best returns of the day.
Ethan,
Miami, FL
Steve. You now are an OBE.
Over Bloody Eighty
Congratulations
Bling, Albuquerque, NM
Congrats on your 80th Birthday Steve! Beautiful family and life. What’s your secret?
Tony,
Park City, UT
Fantastic, you are very blessed!
Golf,
Park City, UT
So happy we found Utah. Perfect place for us at this point in our lives. So much to do here. Very grateful to be able to get outside and explore year round.
I’ve visited Antelope Island a few times; however, like your Dead Sea experience, I did not go into the GSL. Also, I was previously unaware of the Army Ranger & Air Force Memorial.
What are some places you recommend I visit that may not be on the regular tourist map?
MATT,
Park City, UT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE "YOUNGEST" 80 I KNOW
I know you have had trying issues medically & glad to hear you are doing so well
Best Regards--Montage
Marina, del Rey, CA
Welcome to the Octogenarian Club. May we both be members of long standing.
Park Avenue,
Park City, UT
Belated Happy 80th Birthday wishes to a guy that inspires me with his amazing physical and mental energy!
Mark,
Portland, OR
Congratulations, welcome to the cohort! Looks like a fun day and good looking family to support you and share the day.
Mezzanine,
Miami, FL
A goof photo above for my German pal (BMW designer) Hans Muth - 90 this year. He designed the R90S, R100RS and the R80G/S - photo below is he and I in Germany last year - he likes me because of my fondness for his motorcycle design (he claims they are sexy) and knowing I wrote the book MOTORCYCLE SEX or FREUD.... Second photo he and I in Germany last year.
Dr. G
Crow Agency, MT