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Show Y . 9 ,1 by DEBRA HART a Photos by Brian Griffon Steamin Cfe t ON THE Heber Creeper NolAIS Since 899, the Heber Creeper 1 ha maked in way through the farmlands, rives, and Utah. Originally a freight canyons of north-centrline from Provo to Heber City, the Creeper lore steam in the 1960s, when a highway supplanted the railroad, and again in the 1990k, due to financial woes. al Each time, local supportm tallied for the little engine that could." More than 100 yean lam; the Creeper is still cowling and will steam into histoty during the upcoming 2002 Winter Olympia. The railroad line was originally created by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Co. to haul freight into the Heber Valley aod take livestock out. The inn hone was a lifeline for the eatly seeden living in the mountain valley earning the nickname Heber Creepd cowl up the canyon. er for in legend has it that a newlywed couple boarded the nain in Provo, and it went so slow they had their fist child when die train pulled into the Heber station," chums Ken McConnell, director of marketing and media for the Heber Valley Railroad (HVRRX Now based m Heber City (pop. 729U the HVRR offers steam-engitrain trips, while guides entertain travelers with folklore and tales of die area's rich history. TXir life isnkst paced now, and time is ofdie slow-pace- ne i essence," says Craig H. Lacey; executive director of the Olympic events. An estimated 20,000 spectators are anticipated daily at Soldier Hollow during the 1 Olympic events. Working together, we'll really put on a world-cla- ss steam show during the games," says Lacey. "We're looking forward to hosting the world and giving them an unforgettable experience of history in motion." describes a ride aboard a steam-engitrain . Lacey as a total sensory esperience. "You can see the steam, fed the dickety deck of die wheek over the nil joints, smell the coal smoke and valve oil, hear the whistle and chugging of the engine, and get a taste of the days of the early 1900s. McConnell adds: "Winter with a steam engine is an awesome sight, especially out here," he wlaima. Because it's so cold, it accentuates the steam. The engine is just alive with steam." HVRR. "We are harkening people back to die early 1900s and allowing diem to experience simpler days. "Unlike many ocher railroads, HVRR offers splendid bur differing vistas: the farmlands of the Heber Valley, following the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir; with the lake on one side and high lolling desert on the opposite side of the tracks. It then descends into a beautiful glaciercarved canyon, following the icy waters of the Provo River," says McConnell. Add to that a blanket of white in win-te- r. Heber Gty, a valley hamlet surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, k 3,600 feet above aea level and receives about 6 feet of snow per year. HVRR k now owned by the state of Utah and operated by the Heber Valley Historic Railroad tourist attraction. Authority as a year-roun- d McConnell says two 1907 Baldwin steam loco--. motives. Engines No. 618 and 73, now do most 1. Dtira Hart unfnmUwa writer jrm EsgUMenxtsin, of the work. locomotive first 618 Utah. No. die in the k Engine nation robe taken off display in a park and put back into service. Locomotive No. 73, nicknamed the "Movie Haiti," has appeared in more than 33 motion pictures, including Bnakbtert Pan, Tie Prafanemtli, and A ar Raw TAnMg6fr.lt was also featured on the television series Teethed by a Angel. But die trains may be preparing for their greatest honor yet. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, die iron horses of HVRR will form the 2002 International Winter Steam Team. The steam Creepen will more paaseqgers and fiom the crosscountry skiing and Heber Gey k about 45 miles biathlon events, which will be held at : east of Salt Soldier Hollow on the outskirts of Heber. LakeGty. For more information oh train schedules, Thk will be the first rime in Olympic call (435) 654-56or leg onto history that a tourist railroad will transwwwMberva.1eyrr.org. back official and forth to port passengers 6-day ne ' - f ' T IN i - u . ; 01 J - i |