Spent Tues 7/21 on an overnight stopover at the "Bridgeview" B&B at Marysville - on the south side of the Susquehanna at the Rockville bridge. Had to give it a try after the Railpace article. I normally stay at "motel row' on the north side when in town.
Didn't do it justice. I've been in and out of Harrisburg for 30 years, and taken all kinds of shots of the bridge. But never, ever, would consider the railfan experience either 'relaxing' or 'comfortable'. The conversion of the old bait shop into a B&B is just remarkable. Everything is new, it's laid out as a true B&B, not some other oddball conversion, and it is absolutely top-to-bottom custom built for the railfan market.
There's only 10 rooms, but the deck wraps around the entire building so you can watch the Port Road lead from the highway side, or sit on the deck and watch the river. The distance is JUST RIGHT so that you can get close-in shots with a normal telephoto, or wide-angle and get the whole bridge. The remnants of the old boat ramp let you walk out about 100' in the river to get beside the bridge for a shot, other than bringing a boat this is the only way you'll get that shot. I didn't have a tripod and regretted that.
Mornings are the better light from the deck, so don't plan to leave early. Afternoon light on the bridge is easier if you walk up the river about 1000' and shoot from the boat ramp. That is, if you can pry yourself out of a deck chair on the deck. Way too comfortable.
I had the "Lehigh" room, which has the best view - you can see the bridge from the bed, just sit at the desk and (arrrgggh) work on the computer and wait for trains.
IF you hit rough weather there's a covered deck, and if you hit REALLY rough weather there's a sitting room with captains chairs and even a spotting scope to watch the bridge.
The owner has put a lot into this place, a big bet on his own funds, and really tried to do it right. Rates are about the same as other motels in the immediate area, no penalty there. The only thing 'lacking' might be considered to be an individual TV in the room if you're addicted. If you're in the Harrisburg area and don't stay here there's something seriously wrong. This is a fun place. I used to hang out at the "Cove" drive in before they tore it down and still miss it!
http://www.bridgeviewbnb.com/ He tones it down for the public a bit, but make no mistake - this is a railfan B&B to the core.
This shot is from the deck - an angle you sure can't get elsewhere:
Traffic was good, not great, but bunched. Had three double meets on the bridge, then long pauses. One three-train meet with one on the Port Road behind us coming out of Enola with two headed eastbound side-by-side on the bridge. There's a lot of welded rail work underway in the area toward Lewistown, so there is fleeting going on.
