Milwaukee Road 261 Fall Colors: The Birthday Edition

Day Three.

We all slept really hard Saturday night as we were tired. It’s the constant adrenalin every time you hear that whistle blow that wears you out I think. We got up blearily, kissed Leo good morning, told him happy birthday, and headed back to the rail yard. He wanted to get a few pictures but then take off while it was backing up to get on the other track. That way we would have time to catch it at the bridge in downtown over the Mississippi. We got there just in time---couldn’t find a parking place so Ernie just double parked while Leo and I rushed over to a good vantage point. We could hear the whistle blowing, and suddenly she just burst into sight. It was the most beautiful thing…steam rushing, whistle blowing, birds scattering above. Leo and I agreed it might be our favorite moment from the whole trip. 

As I watched the engine steaming and seemingly quivering with energy, all I could think was that it was like rock and roll. It takes you out of yourself, is exhilarating, and make you want more. No wonder it's addictive.

We raced back to the car and jumped in and headed for Hopkins. We’d gotten there just in time on Saturday, but there was a depot so we wanted to check that out. After that it becomes a bit of a blur…jumping out of the car, jumping in the car. It started raining and it was a cold, cold rain even though the temperatures weren’t too low. Who knew it could get cold in Minneapolis in October? Huh. While we were waiting at one nice crossing, our friends from Maine and England swooshed out of nowhere and stopped to say hi. We all laughed hellos and traded a few words before we all jumped back on the road. Leo was tough, standing in the rain, not missing a thing. I sometimes huddled in the car as we waited but the minute I head the whistle it was like Pavlov's dog and I would leap out of the car.

Sunday was a bit shorter than the previous day. We headed back to the rail yard to wait for her. We found a place to park and then I suggested we go over to the other side so we could watch her pull in. We drove over (it’s fun driving around rail yards) and there, sure enough, were our friends. We got a chance to stand around and talk and laugh. It’s nice to see Leo holding his own as an adult. And, as we all know, there's nothing better than talking to a friend who shares your passion.

And finally, it was over. We weren't even sad though, because it had been so wonderful. I had picked out a restaurant for Leo's birthday dinner. It has to have fries but I refused to take him to another burger joint. I googled 'best fries in Minneapolis' and found a French brasserie, Barbette so we headed over. I whimpered when we passed the Walker Art Center and Oldenberg's spoon and cherry, but this trip was only about trains. The restaurant was lovely. I had mussels and pommes frites and a salad. The mussels were good, the frites even better but the real star was the salad. It was a mix of lettuces with lots of fresh herbs, with celery and pickled red onion in a dill vermouth vinaigrette. We had a nice time and relaxed and talked, reliving the weekend, trying to think of our favorite moments. 

It was a lovely way to celebrate my Leo turning 18 and hang out with him.

Thanks Milwaukee Road 261.