Week 3, Day 7
The Finale
So you have probably been wondering what the days and weeks mean. It actually was not supposed to be this way. Starting back in February or March, I almost completely lost the will to post. I had images from October, November, and December that were in Lightroom that I had not even looked at since the day I took them. I had a camera roll and multiple notes filled with random photos, train symbols, and all sorts of information that had no meaning until I actually associated the information with something. It was also at this time I felt fairly discouraged. From December 23 to March 16, the day before I went out again, I had only been out twice. I believe February saw one single sunny, cloudless day in the Gorge this year, a day in which I had class. There was a day that called for sun and no clouds, and I actually drove out before sunrise, planning to shoot all day only to arrive in Hood River as the sun came up to a solid sheet of clouds. I turned right around and came home. February is up there as being on of my favorite months to shoot, and I expected multiple outings this year, only to come away with none.
So anyway, about a month ago, I thought I would motivate myself to edit and post the stuff I hadn’t looked at for a few months. As much as I wish I never had to post the images, I knew that if I saved up all my favorites at the same time, it would make the posting more interesting for me. I created a note that listed in order which images I would post and what needed to be said. The list was roughly 21 images, and I thought it would make sense to do one a day, so I opted to keep the title and everything the same as it is in my notes when I post here. I guess I felt the need to explain because I do not want anyone getting the wrong idea here. By no means do I think my images are any better than anyone else’s. It was simply for me to organize my thoughts and make it easier for me to actually share some of my adventures with you all. There are plenty of amazing photographers that have come before me and who will come after me, and as someone who has only been shooting for about 4 years now, I have a long way to go before I have the right to make any claims about what’s good and what’s bad. I like looking at cool stuff, you like looking at cool stuff, and that is exactly how I want to keep it. If you made it this far, let’s add some context to what exactly you are looking at.
This is BNSFs Oregon Trunk Subdivision. Minus all the CTC upgrades within the last few years, this whole piece of railroad feels a bit like a time capsule. Estimates in the early 2000s put the traffic levels for this line somewhere in the teens or low 20s, numbers that are nowhere in sight today, and quite frankly, numbers that will never exist. The line, running south out of Wishram, WA to Chemult, OR, where it meets with the UP Cascade Subdivision, sees about 4-6 trains a day. Seeing trains in good light on this line is incredibly challenging. There is a reason that this shot, which is fairly accessible to anyone who hikes and is not afraid of heights, is scarcely seen given how photogenic it is. If the searchlights and pole line were not removed, this line would almost feel a bit like Raton is now. The road into here is actually the old ROW for the competing company (backed by Edward Harriman) that built along the eastern side of the Deschutes River Canyon. You can find abandoned infrastructure in a few places in the canyon.
Within the first 71 miles, there are 3 sidings, 2 real ones. The first siding, being Moody at MP5, is 4329 feet and has rarely ever been used. The first real siding is Oakbrook at MP38.4, being 6232 feet in length. Dixon, at MP 70, is 5469 feet, and the sidings continue from here at regular 20 mile or so intervals all the way to Chemult. Every train through here is very short, almost every single one is a manifest, and the speeds are very slow. A few more trains per day and it would almost be perfect. What you are looking at is a location known as the Twin Bridges. Instead of following the curvature of the Deschutes, the railroad crosses the river, through a tunnel, and then crosses it again immediately upon leaving the portal. The train originated from the ballast pit at “Missile Base”, a location on the Lakeside Sub. It is running to the yard at Lookout, CA, presumably for a maintenance project on the Gateway. This is, perhaps, about as peaceful a rail line you will find.
As for the current Favorites Series, it will be something I continue in the future, but this will be it for a little bit. All I have is worthless junk again, some of which I will throw around here and there. It has been fun. Thanks for viewing. Until next time.
March 30, 2024 - 5:33PM
