September 5: Train and Trolley Today

Leaning back in my booth next to the large picture window of the vintage diesel-electric heritage train chugging down the tracks, I felt the rhythmic sway of the engine, sipped my hot tea, breathed in the scent of the bunch of fresh lavender stalks on the table in front of me, and admired the neat rows of fruit orchards passing by outside.

Today’s adventure started at the Mount Hood Railway station, where I boarded the open-air rubber-tired trolly-replica bus for the Fruit Valley Trolley tour through orchards brimming with peaches, apples, and pears.

With the sun beaming down from the cloud-dotted sky and a gentle breeze blowing across my face, my jovial guide rang the brass bell as we passed families and cyclists on the shoulders and winded our way through the backroads south of Hood River.

After stopping at Panorama Point for an excellent view of the lush greenery of the Hood River Valley and the foothills of the Mount Hood National Forest, we continued to Hope Ranch Lavendar Farms where children sold homemade cookies and handed out scissors to guests who wanted to harvest the sweet-smelling flower stalks.  

Leaving with three large delightfully scented bouquets, I boarded the trolley to continue to Packard Farms where I strolled past dozens of free samples of pears, peaches, jams, and pickles. As I bit down on a large tender slice of Starkrimson Pear, the fruity juice ran down my chin.

Continuing to the Mt Hood Winery, I disembarked at The Fruit Company complex to walk the grounds before boarding my train ride back to Hood River. What an amazing day!