4449 at Horse Thief Lake

The city of Portland is the owner of two steam locomotives, donated to them years ago. In 1976, one of them, the 4449, was selected to power the American Freedom Train. The AFT traveled throughout the country with a rolling display of historic documents. The 4449 was rebuilt and made operational to pull that train. Since that time it has pulled many excursions throughout the years.

In July 1998 I caught it at Horse Thief Lake, near Dallesport, Washington in the Columbia River Gorge. It is on it's return trip from Wishram, having gone there from the Rose City earlier in the day. I really, really like this picture, think it is one of my best. The train, reflection on the lake, clouds, and hills surrounding the Columbia all make this a great shot.