Above average temperatures and elevated humidity lay along the Levisa Fork as Shelby-bound CSX M653 approaches GC Cabin on CSX's ex-Chesapeake & Ohio Big Sandy Subdivision.

Southbound mixed freight M653 clings to the rocks on the side of the mountain at Speers Ferry after exiting the tunnel.

Fall colors light up the mountain as southbound slop freight M653 negotiates the former Clinchfield railroad through Southwest Virginia.

CSX M653 emerges from the south end of the Blue Ridge Tunnel, to begin it's slow decent down the Clinchfield Loops.