Some excerpts from an early morning along the Sprague subdivision.
Rising early, a quick breakfast, and out the door.
A train and I leave Winnipeg at the same time – but I win the race to Dufresne.
The sun crests the horizon while I wait. It’s going to be a good day.
The train rounds the bend, and hits the straightaway to the automated inspection portal in the distance. Green over red, good to go.
Onwards.
Meet at Giroux
At Giroux the train comes to a stop by the memorial to the Giroux Pioneers.
These signs, a testament to the brave souls who tamed the prairie – as much as it ever can be tamed – and a casual omission of the people who lived here before them.
Eventually the westbound train approaches. CN 2970’s crew dismounts for the required rollby inspection.
No defects, good to go.
La Brocquerie
At La Brocquerie, a long but quiet wait for a train.
It turns out to be another westbound train, headed by CN 2229, with 2293 mid train.
I’ve always wanted to get that shot.
Onwards.
Woodridge
Not everything works out as intended.
It’s not the first time that I’ve left a lens set for manual focus, after a night of shooting the aurora.
Whoops.
The Vintage Corner Store is a fixture of Woodridge. The town is a supply centre for campers and ATV drivers and intrepid explorers of the Sandilands Provincial Forest.
Time has run out.
It’s time to head back.
There’s never enough time.
Still, you have to take the time to enjoy these moments.
Spend your time wisely.