Moonlit Foss River Bridge

The only word I can find to describe this scene is "surreal." Indeed, a bright three-quarter moon lighting up the Cascade Range forest during a blizzard could only be something imagined in one's dreams... except that it happened. In one of those incredibly rare instances where everything just came together perfectly, as I was setting up this photo the clouds overhead tore open and let the moonlight filter through to shine down on the snow-covered forest. In the distance I heard the faint cry of a horn blowing for a grade crossing in Skykomish, and a few minutes later the sound of hard-working GEs -- muted by the thousands of snow-laden limbs -- became audible over the burble of the river's water flowing amongst the rocks below. Finally, as the snow continued to fall, an eastbound Z train burst out onto the Foss River bridge, the bright beams of its highlights reflected by the snow-covered trees to cast a golden glow throughout the scene. Then, seemingly in an instant, it was over -- the train gone, taking its light and noise with it; a thick cloud drifting across the sky, returning the forest to its proper nighttime darkness; and all that remained was the familiar sound of the river's rushing water, reminding me that I had awoken from my living dream and returned to normality. (Thanks to Steve Carter for the inspiration.)

(March 07, 2009)