Lewis and Clark Train

Farmers Market looking for turnips.

Orleans Bridge.

Train Train

During the summer Bob and I took the Lewis & Clark train to Astoria. This was an excursion train that the state of Oregon was operating for several years in commemoration of Lewis & Clark's journey. (The last run was in October 05). The people who operated it were both train geeks and Lewis & Clark geeks and they had tons of fun info to share.

We boarded the train just outside Portland. The train goes slow and is excellent for watching wildlife and amazing views. We hardly looked at our reading materials. We ordered breakfast on the way out. In Astoria we found lunch and checked out the shops and Maritime Museum. On the way home we had the river view again and ordered a fantastic salmon dinner.

Picks 05 (Part I)

This year I did the 50 book challenge which means I read 50 books. (list here) Actually as I write this I've read 47 but I don't see any problem with me making the 50. But the best part is I read TONS of great books. I had a tough time narrowing it down for mention. I loved Three Junes by Julia Glass, Straight Man by Richard Russo is hilarious. That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx is also majorly funny. Easter Island by Jennifer Vanderbes is like a chick book with natural science. (In the best possible way.)

Finally, remember the story about the guy who got trapped rock climbing and had to cut off his hand to survive? This is the book: Between a Rock and A Hard Place by Aron Ralston. I could not stop talking about it. The dentist, the checkout lady at the market, the loser bumming for change at the train stop. You can't even imagine how he survived. Also I read one book that made me sob. I cried like I have not cried about a book since A Prayer for Owen Meany. I'm not mentioning the title because I don't want to spoil it for you, but you must read it. Especially if you're a chick.

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