The Great Train Adventure Part 2

Here it is! Better late than never, right? What a year 2010 has been so far; a runaway train no doubt. With fresh eyes I’ve actually managed to cut out even more photos of the originals that I’d selected, so hopefully you still get the best. If it’s one thing I need to get better at (even after eight years of doing it) it’s selecting a smaller number of final photos.

This part of my journey took me along the coast staring at the sea and the flocks of birds that populated the area. It began with a heavier rain that we even had in LA, but there were constant signs of the sun breaking through, as you’ll see in the photos. There’s something about the coast that makes me feel peaceful. I think it has to do with growing up on a tiny island like the UK where even though we didn’t live on the coast that was where our “summer holidays” were every single year until I left home at 15. I suppose they’re the happiest, least crazy memories of my childhood; when my family would mostly get along and enjoy our surroundings. If you ever do visit the UK I suggest taking at least one train trip to the seaside. Of course the biggest attractions to people visiting are the cities like London or Manchester, but the heart of England (and dare I say Scotland and Wales too) is in their coast lines.

Back to California… I’d thought seeing the north Pacific up here in Vancouver I’d know what to expect on the California coast, but I was so wrong. Vancouver’s coast line is all sea level (until you get to the mountains) so there is never a cliff in sight. Along this Amtrak route, however, you mostly zip along the cliffs in a way that evokes film-like memories. There were a couple of times where the track dipped down and was level with the shoreline and sounds of OHHHHH filled the cabins on the west side.

As you can see from the photo above, there were various shipwrecks in the deserted bays with no sign of life whatsoever. It was really eerie and reminded me very much of the beautiful Slint track, Good Morning Captain. I always thought the story in that song would make a great short film, but could never find the coast-line that I visualised so clearly when listening to it. I think this part of the California coast would be more than perfect.

Even though most of these photos make it seem empty and desolate, the sparse stretches were nicely filled with dips into civilisation that made me want to jump off the train and explore. I think it would be really enjoyable to have the kind of adventure where you could stop at every single little place and find out what made things tick. If only I had the time for such luxuries! So for now, sitting on the train, taking a breather from life and wondering about those little worlds will have to suffice. Perhaps in another life I’ll have time for such calmness and exploration?

Take a look at the other 25 odd photos I’ve chosen from the coastal portion of the journey and next time I’ll bring you trundling into the grassy hills. It won’t be so long this time, I promise.