Day 1
The winding coast and the gentile rocking of the train have a hypnotic effect on one and possess the ability to refocus one on questions of what is important in the larger picture. Maybe it is because you have to give in to the slower pace of train travel, which affords you the luxury, often neglected in our daily schedule, of reflection and contemplation. Muted colors melt the vivid and rigid manner in which we often view others and the mystery of daily life. This is a good way to begin an experience of pedaling down the Oregon coast through the Redwoods and across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 2
The rhythmic movement of the train affects the sleep patterns. The movements are incorporated into your unconscious processing called dreams. Strangely enough, it is when the train stops that you tend to slip toward a more conscious state. We awoke in the Shasta National Forrest to stunning views of mountain streams and pristine pines. Breakfast was enriched with scenic vistas of Mt. Shasta from at least five different positions as the train wound its way around the topography and up toward Oregon. As we approach Oregon following Hwy 97, we gaze upon open pastures of various shades of wild grasses and cattle grazing in the distance. Cattle must be far more pleased to be here than in the crowded corrals of the central valley where they stand in mud and each other's waste. While much slower than air travel, train travel is infinitely more soothing to the soul and sensually pleasing.
We arrived in Eugene to 90 degree weather. After grabbing our bags we serendipitously met one of the tour leaders who de-trained and was also catching a cab. Now it is to the pool and a bite to eat with one of Ronda's friends.
The winding coast and the gentile rocking of the train have a hypnotic effect on one and possess the ability to refocus one on questions of what is important in the larger picture. Maybe it is because you have to give in to the slower pace of train travel, which affords you the luxury, often neglected in our daily schedule, of reflection and contemplation. Muted colors melt the vivid and rigid manner in which we often view others and the mystery of daily life. This is a good way to begin an experience of pedaling down the Oregon coast through the Redwoods and across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 2
The rhythmic movement of the train affects the sleep patterns. The movements are incorporated into your unconscious processing called dreams. Strangely enough, it is when the train stops that you tend to slip toward a more conscious state. We awoke in the Shasta National Forrest to stunning views of mountain streams and pristine pines. Breakfast was enriched with scenic vistas of Mt. Shasta from at least five different positions as the train wound its way around the topography and up toward Oregon. As we approach Oregon following Hwy 97, we gaze upon open pastures of various shades of wild grasses and cattle grazing in the distance. Cattle must be far more pleased to be here than in the crowded corrals of the central valley where they stand in mud and each other's waste. While much slower than air travel, train travel is infinitely more soothing to the soul and sensually pleasing.
We arrived in Eugene to 90 degree weather. After grabbing our bags we serendipitously met one of the tour leaders who de-trained and was also catching a cab. Now it is to the pool and a bite to eat with one of Ronda's friends.
"Muted colors melt the vivid and rigid manner...."
ReplyDeleteWow. That's quite a line. I see where I get the poet thing from.