Katrina Lui Photography: Go By Train

In January, Connie and I took the Coast Starlight up to Portland for a few days. This trip was a bit random (people kept asking us why we were going to Portland of all places). When I discovered the Coast Starlight, I thought it sounded like a fun way to travel, packed with an abundance of photographic opportunities (I was right). I picked a destination along the train route that was interesting and new to me, and Connie (as always) was enthusiastic to the idea of a getaway. On the night of January 12, we took the shuttle from the San Francisco Ferry Building to the Emeryville station and started our journey.

7:03am - I couldn't stay asleep for more than an hour at a time, and when I saw the slightest bit of sunlight peeking through the mountains, I stopped trying in fear of missing the sunrise.

7:48am - Looks like I wasn't alone.

7:56am - Still in NorCal, but not too far from the Oregon border.

7:57am - My sleepy partner in crime.

8:11am - I moved to the sightseer lounge for a better view and didn't return to my seat until we neared Portland.

8:18am - My like-minded train mates.

8:36am/9:33am - The scenery made for such a pleasant dining experience.

9:55am - The first Oregon stop. The man in the green tracksuit on the left was getting kicked off for disturbing other passengers. I don't know the whole story, but he was very gregarious and talked nonstop in the lounge.

10:35am - A pair of tour guides boarded at Klamath Falls and told us about all the happenings in the surrounding area (and made me realize how much of a city girl I really am).

10:44am - Upper Klamath Lake. Beautiful, isn't it?

10:49am - Here you can see how close we were to the water. (!!!)

11:09am - Connie started sketching to keep busy.

1:23pm - Connie gets her daily dose of caffeine while the train is passing through a lush forest. Seriously, the variety of scenery along this route is enough to keep me from getting bored.