Last week, a new shopping center, called the Shoppes at Montage, opened just south of Scranton. While walking through the area, which was formerly "wild land" or wasteland, whichever you prefer, I decided to explore the views behind the stores. Being built on a mountain's edge, you get to see a good, new portion of the area that was hidden by trees before. A good view (for Me) of the Electric City Trolley's tracks is behind the Panera Bread shop... and about 80 feet down. The active electrified main line, along with the 1940s era Laurel Line switchback leading to Compression Polymers, plus the out of service Erie Wyoming Div. is in plain sight. If only I brought my camera... and tripod and telephoto lens.

With a predictable trolley schedule of Wed-Sunday, 10:30, 11:30, 1 and 3, just begun last Sunday, you should be able to snag some real photographic doozies. Delaware-Lackawanna runs freight trains less often, and only on non-trolley days.

The Shoppes are just off I-81, exit 182A. Turn left where the Visitors'Center is, and left again at the light.