Riding the rails

More than $1.3 billion of the Obama administration's economic stimulus funding is designated for Amtrak capital improvements and safety projects. That's about $1.3 billion more than Bill Cannon and Wade Cannon have spent on their miniature train and a mile of track through what they're calling Cannon Park just outside Chaffee, Mo.

The Cannons -- father and son and train enthusiasts -- have opened their train to the public for rides through the woods.

The elder Cannon is a retired engineer, and his son is a conductor for Amtrak. That's about as close as either of the Cannons are likely to get to the $1.3 billion in federal dollars.

In addition to rides on the miniature train, Cannon Park also has horses to pet, and some donkeys, too -- miniature, of course. There are a few kiddie rides and some railroad memorabilia as well. And there's a picnic area for families looking for a place to have fun together.

It would be hard to find more genial hosts than Bill and Wade Cannon. Their enthusiasm and their love of railroading are obvious.,

Hats off to the Cannons for their hard work to create Cannon Park and the hours of fun it will give families for what we hope is a long ride.