Growing up, my mom always talked about taking us on a train ride. She thought it would be good for us. Being the shy child that I was, I wasn't too sure about the whole thing. It wasn't until just a couple of years ago that I fianlly took my first train ride.
I was nervous at first. It was a new experience and I was going by myslef. So I decided a short ride would be best. The morning dawned bright and sunny. I was up early and headed to station in plenty of time to meet the train heading south to Winter Park.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The ride itself was fun. I got to sit by a window and I think I smiled for the whole two hour ride. Winter Park was amazing and I loved everything I got to do and experience. So much so that I am looking forward to going back! I will save those adventures and experiences for another article, though.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was sitting in the station, watching the people. You see all kinds of people in a train station! One of my least favorite parts was finding out that my train home was running several hours late. I had been looking forward to seeing the sights on the way back. By the time the train arrived, it was too dark to see much. Even though my first train adventure did not go exactly as planned, it is definitely something I want to do again. There is just something special about riding the rails.
Photography is such a vital part of my life and that passion has recently begun to merge with my newfound interest in trains, resulting in some of my favorite pictures. Trains and the rails they run on make fascinating subjects. They also make great background material. I love trains!
But, wait! There's more! My grandparent's farm was located just outside of the small town of Diagonal. As far as I know, it is the only town with that name in the whole United States. It got it's name ( I am told), because it was on a diagonal rail line running between two nearby, slightly larger towns. Yes, you heard right. A rail line. I won't go into the history on why trains were so important to Iowa farmers (and all mid-west farmers). Just know they were very important. It has been a long time since trains have run through Diagonal. The rails have been pulled up and the grade has become an historical walking trail. That is where I come in!
On one visit to my grandparents, my grandmother decided we should go for a walk along this trail. We didn't go far, as we didn't have a lot of time. But we enjoyed the length we got to walk. And on that walk, I found some treasures! Old rusty rail spikes may not seem like much of a treasure to you, but they are to me! I found two or three of them and grandma said I could keep them. So, I wrapped them in newspaper and brought them home, packed carefully away for safe keeping.
From one travellor to another, if you ever get a chance to take a train ride, go for it! It is sure to be an adventure. Enjoy the memories!
