{"id":2058,"date":"2010-07-10T11:02:05","date_gmt":"2010-07-10T15:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/galadriel.astro.utoronto.ca\/ballast\/?p=2058"},"modified":"2010-07-10T11:02:05","modified_gmt":"2010-07-10T15:02:05","slug":"texas-state-railroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?p=2058","title":{"rendered":"Texas State Railroad"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Laura, Natalie, and I spent yesterday morning and afternoon taking a relaxing historical train ride on the Texas State Railroad. It runs twice a week between Palestine and Rusk with an old diesel engine and an older steam engine. The steam engine is running the wrong route this month, so we settled for the diesel&mdash;we really hope not to be here in August (I won&#8217;t be). We rode in the open air carriage.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-2058 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2061'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0466-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2061\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0466-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0466-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0466-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2061'>\n\t\t\t\tWe arrive at the Palestine station\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2062'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0468-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2062\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0468-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0468-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0468-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2062'>\n\t\t\t\tI don&#8217;t know why this notification is necessary\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2063'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0469-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2063\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0469-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0469-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0469-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2063'>\n\t\t\t\tJust before boarding\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2064'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0471-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2064\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0471-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0471-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0471-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2064'>\n\t\t\t\tThe train side of the station\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2065'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0472-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2065\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0472-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0472-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0472-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2065'>\n\t\t\t\tFirst photographic glimpse of The Beard (aka Beardy). A conductor with an awesome beard (probably how he got the job)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2101'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0474-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2101\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0474-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0474-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0474-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2101'>\n\t\t\t\tThe tracks run off out the back of the train\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2067'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0475-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2067\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0475-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0475-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0475-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2067'>\n\t\t\t\tAs I come back, Natalie and Laura are mesmerized by The Beard\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2068'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0476-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2068\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0476-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0476-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0476-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2068'>\n\t\t\t\tI finally get a decent shot of The Beard\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2069'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0477-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2069\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0477-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0477-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0477-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2069'>\n\t\t\t\tU.S. Mail box\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2070'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0478-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2070\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0478-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0478-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0478-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2070'>\n\t\t\t\tPalestine Elev 420ft\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2102'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0480-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2102\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0480-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0480-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0480-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2102'>\n\t\t\t\tInside of the train\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2103'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0483-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2103\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0483-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0483-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0483-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2103'>\n\t\t\t\tThe train rounds a slight corner and I stick my head out the window\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2104'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0484-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2104\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0484-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0484-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0484-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2104'>\n\t\t\t\tNatalie gets up to take pictures out the back (I had been meaning to do this too)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2105'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0485-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2105\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0485-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0485-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0485-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2105'>\n\t\t\t\tRailroad crossing out the back\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2075'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0489-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2075\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0489-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0489-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0489-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2075'>\n\t\t\t\tThe East Texas forest breezes by\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2076'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0490-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2076\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0490-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0490-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0490-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2076'>\n\t\t\t\tPart of a small town we crossed through, who&#8217;s name I don&#8217;t recall\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2077'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0495-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2077\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0495-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0495-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0495-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2077'>\n\t\t\t\tA bit of track that can rotate a car around\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2078'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0496-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2078\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0496-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0496-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0496-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2078'>\n\t\t\t\tLaura watches the scenery\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2079'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0498-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2079\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0498-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0498-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0498-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2079'>\n\t\t\t\tNatalie enters sun glasses and hat, maximum aloofness mode\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2080'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0499-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2080\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0499-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0499-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0499-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2080'>\n\t\t\t\tNatalie and Laura\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2081'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0500-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2081\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0500-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0500-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0500-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2081'>\n\t\t\t\tLaura does her best Natalie impression\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2082'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0501-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2082\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0501-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0501-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0501-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2082'>\n\t\t\t\tTiny brightly coloured houses\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2083'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0504-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2083\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0504-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0504-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0504-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2083'>\n\t\t\t\tWe pass the meal car as we arrive in Rusk\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2106'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0507-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2106\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0507-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0507-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0507-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2106'>\n\t\t\t\tLillies and flowers at a nearby pond\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2107'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0508-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2107\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0508-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0508-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0508-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2107'>\n\t\t\t\tThe pond landscape in portrait. This might be the best landscape picture I&#8217;ve ever taken\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2108'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0517-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2108\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0517-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0517-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0517-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2108'>\n\t\t\t\tWe cross through a tunnel\/bridge, wandering along a trail while stopped in Rusk\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2086'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0510-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2086\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0510-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0510-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0510-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2086'>\n\t\t\t\tThe bench we want to sit on is already occupied by a lizard\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2088'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0519-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2088\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0519-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0519-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0519-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2088'>\n\t\t\t\tThe &#8220;Music Hall&#8221;, where there was a banjo duo playing. The building is as small as it can be and still count as being a building with a porch\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2109'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0521-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2109\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0521-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0521-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0521-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2109'>\n\t\t\t\tRusk Station\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2110'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0523-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2110\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0523-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0523-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0523-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2110'>\n\t\t\t\tNatalie is extra-super-excited after getting a chance to toot the horn\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2091'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0528-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2091\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0528-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0528-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0528-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2091'>\n\t\t\t\tThe diesel engine\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2111'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0529-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2111\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0529-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0529-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0529-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2111'>\n\t\t\t\tThe track, as we leave Rusk\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2093'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0531-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2093\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0531-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0531-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0531-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2093'>\n\t\t\t\tWaiting for our ride back in Palestine, I discover a really big wrench\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2094'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0532-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2094\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0532-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0532-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0532-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2094'>\n\t\t\t\tNatalie poses, all alone, with the empty rain\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2095'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0533-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2095\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0533-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0533-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0533-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2095'>\n\t\t\t\tAn olde-fashioned signal\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2112'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0535-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2112\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0535-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0535-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0535-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2112'>\n\t\t\t\tThe now empty train. Almost everyone else is gone\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2097'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0537-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2097\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0537-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0537-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0537-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2097'>\n\t\t\t\tThe Beard is sighted again as the train prepares to move out. He even spoke to us. Wow\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2098'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0543-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2098\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0543-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0543-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0543-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2098'>\n\t\t\t\tA strange insect that accosted Natalie\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2113'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0548-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2113\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0548-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0548-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0548-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2113'>\n\t\t\t\tA railroad monument at the entrance the station\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2100'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0550-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2100\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0550-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0550-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/img_0550-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2100'>\n\t\t\t\tDo Not Climb Monument\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Laura, Natalie, and I spent yesterday morning and afternoon taking a relaxing historical train ride on the Texas State Railroad. It runs twice a week between Palestine and Rusk with an old diesel engine and an older steam engine. The steam engine is running the wrong route this month, so we settled for the diesel&mdash;we [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9,11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2058"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2116,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058\/revisions\/2116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2058"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2058"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}