Re: for Mr. Moungovan
Author: Bill Kohler
Date: 04-04-2010 - 11:04
This isn't as exotic as spending the night in Montana but in June 1963, after spending a day following the Yakima Valley Transportation Co. I managed to catch a boxcab powered westbound freight at Cle Elum. It was late afternoon when the train headed over the hill and I took off to find a spot near Maple Valley with hopes of chasing into Seattle/Tacoma. Well, by the time the train arrived it was way after sundown and I had decided to settle in for the night in the back of the car along the right of way somewhere between Maple Valley and Renton(the area wasn't built up in those days). About 11 or 12 I was awakened by the gear growl and deep air horn of the anticipated train. Without the daylight to allow visual sensations the sound of these passing beasts was enhanced and magical. I can hear their distinct sound in my mind as if it happened yesterday. The icing on the cake occurred when an eastbound passed sometime in the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes it's better not having to suffer the distractions of chasing and worrying about cameras. It's a night I'll never forget.