I didn't think I'd make it out to catch any trains this week--wasn't in my wife's plan.
However, yesterday afternoon I heard the D&I (Dakota & Iowa), my favorite railroad, get a warrant to go up the big hill and head south. Could I resist? Ah, no. I left the sofa entirely to the cat, grabbed my camera bag, and headed out the door. I took a few shots here and there along the line, being careful to not get the car stuck in gooey mud. I didn't snag much for the effort until I noticed the sun getting low. The little short winter run train* would be curving into the faded town of Fairview, SD along the South Dakota/Iowa border. I knew there might be a shot that would work...........
From up on top of the river bluff I could see the tracks in the distance, and set up my tripod, camera, and 400mm lens. The little train slowly (25 mph) came into view and began going around the curve that would take it to town. When all looked right, I took a shot. I watched as the train made its way on across the river and into Fairview, then it disappeared to the south into a riparian forest. I gathered my stuff and broke off the chase, and headed back home. If I get just one nice shot in a day, I feel like I've succeeded.
I'll add an interesting note. The hill and trees at the top of the frame are in South Dakota. The train is in Iowa. The town is in South Dakota; I took the shot from Iowa. Things can get a little confusing around here.
Kent in SD
*D&I is a quarry operation, and
mostly operates in summer hauling
long rock trains. They still make a few
runs in winter pulling much shorter
trains.
