Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Big Wheel


I've only been in Willits for about eight years, but already I've started taking some things for granted. Like the intimate relationship this town has to railroads, and the blessing of so many expert enthusiasts who keep its history alive. You might recognize this as a big, powerful wheel on a beautifully restored steam locomotive, a technology that made possible the Euro-American settlement of the western states.

2 comments:

Petrea Burchard said...

It's gorgeous. I've never seen one up close. Intimidating, too.

USelaine said...

Thanks, P. It really is sort of thrilling to get such great access to these machines. I have confidence in the guys of Roots, and their dedication to safety.