Mt Hood RR

What a great ride! We rode in a dome car, which was very comfortable. The benches were like a couch and we had tables. Since the train was not crowded :) we were both able to have window seats. The scenery was spectacular. We were right on the Hood River, which is feed by the Mt. Hood glaciers. It is crystal clear in the winter because the water comes off the snow on top of the glacier. In the summer, it is pretty cloudy, because the water comes from beneath the glaciers and brings silt and ground rocks. The water is cold all the time!
This area produces pears and cherries in addition to apples. The orchards are not only lovely, they are huge. The number of boxes waiting to be filled with fruit was staggering.
We had a 1 hour layover in the town of Parkdale. I think the main street, Baseline Rd., had maybe 6 business. There is also a museum and an historical home. We did not have time to visit either by the time we ate lunch and took some pics. OK, we also walked to the ice cream shop and had cones. Don't tell me you would not have done the same. Ice cream vs museum - a no-brainer!
Also the main street was named Baseline because in the 1880's 2 surveyors were assigned to break the area up to plots for logging. They had houses across the street from each other, so set the baseline in the middle of the street. One took the North and the other the South. Now I am not sure I would have hired these guys. They got lost one time and found a lake. Being surveyors, they couldn't be lost - it was the lake that was lost. Therefore there is a lake named Lost Lake. Now, that sounds a little hokey, but since they were men it could be true.
The ride back to Cascade Locks was quiet, I think there were several folks getting their afternoon nap.
Did talk with a fellow train freak. He was also loving this area. His thought was: mountains, railroad, road, river, railroad, mountains; how much better does it get?
Since we got back at 3 pm instead of the scheduled 2:15, we came straight home to take care of Traveling Dog. He was fine, but glad to see us all the same.
God Bless