Rock Island, some time in the past.

The 765 prepping to "Head West"

This photo is a fine example of what can happen when you are completely immersed in the project at hand.                                        Pictured here is one of the many steam locomotive examples we were happy to enjoy while at the "2011 Rock Island Train Festival."         It was a "Hot time in the city," and on our first night in the hotel room. (No A/C) The heat and humidity required that we shower twice a day and I think, on occasion, three times. 110 heat index was the norm, add to that huge fully fired steam engines and you get the idea it was HOT HOT HOT!  

This image was captured on Sunday Morning, Day Three of our adventure... suddenly we have gone back in time... the 765 is ready for her daily passenger run out of Rock Island for destinations west. To the untrained eye this is a photo taken in my early youth some 50 years ago, back when steam was King and Rock Island was a hustling bustling Metropolis.

These are happy circumstances! When a photo tells a story and it is timeless. 

3751 at Parker AZ, ready to head to Williams for the night.

It seems that once each of the last two weekends, I have been asked a few questions about photography, my photography and my thoughts. I  can't help myself,  I've  gone into a rambling filibuster and tried to talk my captive audiences ears off! There is so much to do and so many places I would like to shoot. My excitement is barely contained some days... I wish only that I could have started my journey with the camera sooner - or is it that I could appreciate the art sooner? Maybe it's that I appreciate learning the craft - as I learn something new about the craft quite frequently.

I am still practicing, learning and enjoying the effort!