Nonetheless, there were trains running. While still on the I-84 I spied an eastbound in the Wishram yard which looked like it might move sometime soon. Crossing over at Biggs a few miles later we climbed up US 97 to WA 14, drove a mile to the Stonehenge replica/war memorial, and then back down the hill to a railroad crossing next to an expanse of riverside orchards. Breaking out the baguette and cheese we procured in Portland for supper, we set in to eating. I rolled down the windows so the fresh, clean, cool river air could move through the car, and so we could toss our strawberry leaves out onto the gravel.
The unmistakable thrum of some 12,000 horsepower floated upriver from Wishram, and soon enough three points of light appeared at the bottom of the bluff at the far edge of the orchard. I jumped out, found a spot by the tracks, and got a picture of the eastbound freight. Returning to the car, I found Flannery, strawberry and magic markers on her face, standing up out the window, watching the train pass, in awe at the movement of metal and the wet wind it blew up at her and through her hair.
Moments like that make a fella feel like he has somewhat of a handle on parenting.
5 comments:
Ah, the wind in the wild tresses of that strawberry stained visage, pondering the spectacle that's passing on the hi-iron.
'Tis a wondrous ting to behold so it is.
Glad you're all back safe and sound from your recent journey.
Despite recent snow, the crocuses have been in bloom in the yard for over a week already. Spring is struggling to be born once again.
Wow Brendan, those pictures are amazing. Look at Mt. Hood, and the gleaming rails, and the way the exhaust pointillates the sky, and then, what a lovely detail the orchard gives in the reflection on the windows. and that Blonde! Where did you find her? My girl!
oh I want to see one! That sounds amazing. On our way to Seattle we climbed a hill covered in sage brush just for the view, while we were up there a train of many colors came along off in the distance it was great, wish we had been so much closer!
So beautiful Brendan.
Thank you.
Mark
hey sharon.... i was thinking, again, about "Laddie". a while back i went hunting for a copy, and ended up with two. :) i tried to read it out loud to ian, but it just wasn't the same, and i don't think he really liked it. but at least i know i'm not crazy, you loved it too. :) anyway... fond memories... i was just thinking about you, and the good times we used to have.. back when we were just kids.... love you.
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