The starting point for our Mt. Hood Railroad "Blossom tour." Hood River, OR
Poster in depot.
Part of the rolling stock of Mt. Hood Railroad. Note lumber cars--used to transport lumber between Odell mill and Hood River.
Interior of our rail car. Seat backs reverse (easier than turning the train around!)
View from rear of our railroad car--which was the FRONT of the train up to the switchback. Engine pushed us that far, then pulled us the rest of the way to Parkdale.
More rolling stock--on the sidelines. Near depot in Hood River.
The train went under part of I-84 as we left Hood River.
The sparkly Hood River that our train followed south for part of the trip.
Power plant along Hood River just south of the town.
Pacific Power & Light pipeline used to send water to power plant in Hood River. Nov. 2007 flood destroyed parts of pipeline and PP&L shut down the system for good.
Part of the huge pipeline providing water for Hood River power plant.
Our first view of Highway 35 which goes around the east side of Mt. Hood to its junction with Highway 26.
First pear trees in blossom appeared north of Odell.
Some pear trees were not yet in bloom near Odell. Probably a different variety.
House surrounded by blossoming pear trees near Odell.
Pear blossoms from our train window.
More pear blossoms. Trees are pruned low for easier harvest.
Smudge pots used to protect trees and blossoms from late frosts. North of Odell.
Wind fans also used to protect trees from late frosts.
Approaching Odell and a big fruit packing plant.
Odell fruit packing plant.
Sign on shed near Odell fruit packing plant.
Odell's two main products--lumber from its mill and fruit: mostly pears; some cherries
Our train will be picking up this lumber car on our way back to Hood River.
Weeping Cherry tree giving the pear blossoms some competition. Seen south of Odell.
Roue 35 crossing the Hood River between Odell and Parkdale.
We heard many blasts from the train's whistle at the road crossings. Weeping Willow trees almost "yellow" as they leaf out. Approaching Parkdale.
Glenn departing our rail car at Parkdale.
The Mt. Hood Railway uses "recycled" cruise line dome cars from Alaska! At Parkdale.
Glenn guarding our box lunches in Parkdale's little park by the train tracks.
A very nice box lunch was included with our tour--HUGE ham & swiss cheese sandwich, potato chips, drink and even a Hood River Valley D/Anjou pear!
Train, picnickers and a sculpture at the Parkdale park.
Awww, a nice relationship between girl and horse. In Parkdale park.
Another view of the horse/little girl sculpture in Parkdale park.
A 1928 "Federal Big Six" log truck--on display at the Parkdale park.
Our train, patiently waiting for an hour at Parkdale.
Barbara checking out the engine. At Parkdale.
Glenn, double-checking Barbara's engine inspection.
The main business street of Parkdale.
Parkdale's main business street.
Sign in front of the Ries-Thompson House--oldest remaining residence in Parkdale (ca. 1900)
Magnolia tree blossoms gracing the entrance to the Hutson Museum in Parkdale.
Display at the Hutson Museum--all the "food" is comprised of rocks!
Doris Anderson Hill, volunteer at the Hutson Museum.
Hmmm--are these Hallidays our relatives??
The train whistle blew--time for "All Aboaard!" Glenn in the foreground. Leaving Parkdale at 1 p.m. for trip back to Hood River.
