The Life in My Years

This week’s challenge from Cee is Anything to do With Trains and Railroads. While I had a few images in my archives I decided to do some trainspotting to come up with a few more.

In nearby Martinez, California there’s a display of a steam locomotive and a short string of cars

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Above and below, age and the elements take their toll on the old train. 

I found a row of freight cars parked nearby on the shore of San Pablo Bay.  The strip of cars made for a good photo shoot.

Railcar graffiti has always held an odd fascination with me. The boxcars near the shoreline presented their own odd little art show.  I’d call it abstract art because while the artists knew what they were trying to present most seem just meaningless to me.

There is religion – I guess. 

And politics. 

Food 

And then there was plenty of sentiment.

I had so much fun discovering the different graffiti that I’ve decided to seek out more railcar graffiti for future photo opportunities.  The little bit of research I’ve done on railcar art tells a story of a long history that goes back to transients riding the rails during the Great Depression and going even further back.

I would be remiss if I left out one of the most famous railroads in the world.  Sadly in these COVID days it’s dormant but hopefully will come back into safe operation soon. 

To view Cee’s page and the contributions of other train photographers follow this link.