07/02/2026
I got in the truck and drove. Unaware the likelihood of this photograph even being possible. Coming down the hill and spotting the colors of the rail cars caused the first crack of a smile. I pulled into the parking lot at 2345 last night. And watched as a young man tripod in hand, talking with the sherrifs went for a long exposure, his excitement and joy of obtaining his photo made my own smile spread futher. In watching him and several others swooning and photographing and taking videos and selfies, I realized that my tripod was an hour and a half away, along with my flash. But I had a flash light... and with no place in the world to be, I spent four hours photographing, documenting, talking with random strangers all who held some bond to this massive locomotive, everyone with their own reasonings. I had mine. A bond with my father, a quiet obsession very few friends know about. I'm not like the "foamers" "train chasers" or any of the other nicknames but more a silent watcher and admirer of these massive beasts. 300 photos, and only about 10 I will be posting. If you're braving the heat of today, do not envy me, it was just as hot and humid last night but with mountain air, eery fog and a waning Strawberry Moon. This, is one of my favorite photographs I took that night, and am for once in my life, feeling slightly proud of my work. I hope you can enjoy this photo just as much as I am going to :)
