Yellow Skunk

Sunny Convertible

Because a ride to the farmers' market doesn't have to be dull.

Bicycle

Airport Day - People

Willits Airport Day - 1943 Army Air Force L6

Still Life with Locust Blossoms and Pontiac

Around the Barn

 

Over a century old, a barn barely reveals its former function. Too dangerous to enter any more, I circle around it, remembering how I learned to drive on the old red Jeep, used to climb the rafters to jump down on old straw and manure, where I first saw a cow being milked. Most of the old apple orchards have died away, most of the farm implements are reduced to skeletal axles and wheels. Just yards away lie the bones of previous people connected with this land, including the homesteader himself, I'm told. This place has been part of me for all of my life, and even I must learn to let go. We are just here for a short while, in all our busy aspirations and worries, but the Earth abides.

Vintage Autos at the Roots of Motive Power Festival

Not a Pretty Picture

I don't know much about it, but I think this happens every year. Middle schoolers gather for a long walk down to the far end of Commercial Street, near the city ball fields and the rodeo grounds, to witness a grim scene. They find an overturned vehicle with injured, or worse off, occupants. Emergency vehicles begin to respond; fire, police, even a helicopter flies in eventually to retrieve possible survivors. The rumor is that the driver was drunk. It brings tears to my eyes every time. It makes an impression on me, and I hope it makes an impression on these kids, well before they can get behind the wheel. It is staged, of course, but I weep to see the dedicated responders rushing to the scene, sirens blaring, and the pulsing of the medivac helicopter on its somber approach. The seriousness these professionals devote to caring that these young people stay smart, and stay alive, brings tears even now. Whatever it takes.

Detail of the Christmas Caboose

The Christmas Skunk Train

I can't help but look at the lines.

A Ride on a Christmas Caboose

TPL Co 3 Speeder

Speeders are little self-propelled rail cars, used primarily to transport workers to a construction or repair site on or near the tracks. Sort of a passenger van for trains. This one is currently on display inside the engine house of the county museum, and belongs to Roots of Motive Power. This one just has a long bench seat down the middle, behind the more padded driver's seat. Maybe that allowed them to use it as a stretcher/ambulance if need be.