Come on, just a few more steps....

What could possibly be so scary out there on a dark and dreary All Hallows Eve...

Surprise!

On each side of the Columbia River, mighty railroads run mile long unit trains back and forth throughout each day.  But then this one shows up...   One locomotive, four tank cars, and a caboose!  I haven't seen a caboose on a train in years.  Where ya goin' little guy?

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So much to see...

What I like best...

What do I like best about the dry side of the Cascade Mountains--  The sweeping vistas?  The beautiful skies?  The History?  Yes!

Donkey Power...

The little donkey on the hill doesn't seem a bit impressed by this 70 mile per hour giant rumbling by...

No School Today...

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Someone left the barn in the road...

In the wind...

Roll on...

Long, very long....

There was no way to get all of this west bound train just entering the Columbia River Gorge....

Can't let go...

Hello...

Places to go...

Beyond...

Views I've never seen before...

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Big...

Two locomotives in front, 100 cars, one locomotive pushing-- Mile-long trains are amazing to see speeding by.

Yes, a perfect day...

We spent our 34th anniversary doing what we like to do best--traveling back roads (sometimes unpaved), and find wonderful new places.  

Westbound...

A mile-long BNSF freight train on the far side passes through three of many tunnels through the basalt cliffs.  A Union Pacific container train is also visible on the near side at the bottom of the picture.  And a barge carrying grain is also westbound in the unusually calm waters of the Columbia River.

An oasis of color...

Wheat fields, orchards, and rainbows...

High plains lonely...

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There's always another bend to explore...

More, please. Fall should last longer...

Last glow at sunset...

Warm with a chill...

Disappear with me...

Southbound at sunset...

Glorious Glow...

I don't think I've ever enjoyed an afternoon walk so much as our visit to what we call Abernathy Hollow.  The light was perfect, the salmon were splashing in the creek-- We had a wonderful time.  ♥

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Home at last...

Three large salmon, coming home to end their cycle of life, splashing and even fighting a bit amid the rocks and fallen leaves in the crystal clear waters of the creek.  It was a magical visit to this place Laura and I have named Abernathy Hollow.

Evening hush...

Just passing through...

More to see....