Rainy days hold a certain charm, and our most recent visit to Caboose Falls proved just that. Though the gray skies and steady drizzle cast a dreary appearance over the landscape, the day was far from spoiled. Instead, it became an adventure, filled with trains, wildlife discoveries, and the simple joys of playing in the rain.
Trains Through the Mist
The day began with a CSX manifest train rolling eastward. From the deck of our transfer caboose, we watched as it rolled past. The train’s third locomotive was an old BNSF unit adorned in the Burlington Northern “Grinstein” Executive scheme. The boys, sharp-eyed as always, were quick to point it out. While the mist and trees made capturing clear photos a challenge, the sight of that distinctive locomotive was still a railfanning moment to remember.
The Steady Symphony of Rain
The rain varied throughout the day, shifting from a light, steady drizzle to occasional downpours. During the heavier bursts, the sound of raindrops on the atrium roof was loud enough to make conversation difficult. We spent much of our time inside, enjoying the dry warmth and the comforting sounds of the rain.
When the rain eased, we seized the chance for a hike down the ravine. The rain may have painted a gloomy picture, but it didn’t dampen our spirits.
Windows to a Magical World
Outside the cabooses, every window was covered in condensation, making our view from the inside hazy. The blurred world beyond the glass seemed almost like a painting, with muted colors and softened edges blending seamlessly with the rain-soaked landscape. The boys miss the opportunity to draw cabooses on the misted panes.
Tiny Footprints, Big Discoveries
Not all the day’s discoveries were tied to trains or weather. In the atrium, we stumbled upon a small but intriguing mystery: muddy animal tracks on our vintage passenger car seat. Though the prints were a few days old, they sparked plenty of speculation. Guesses were offered, ranging from cats to skunks, but the tiny prints were in fact from a raccoon.
The prints are an urgent reminder that we need to find and seal up any small openings that might be inviting unwelcome critters into our space.
Dancing in the Rain
For the boys, the rain wasn’t an obstacle but an opportunity. Armed with umbrellas, they wandered outside, reveling in the fresh air and the gentle patter of raindrops.
Reflecting on the Day
As the day drew to a close, the rain continued providing a soothing soundtrack to our time at Caboose Falls. The weather may have kept us indoors for much of the visit, but that wasn’t such a bad thing as it gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy our time together.
Driving away, we were treated to one final surprise: a massive rainbow. It arched over the landscape making to perfect ending to our day. Rainy days at Caboose Falls may seem dreary at first glance, but they have a quiet charm all their own. This visit was no exception.
12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”
Genesis 9:12-17 ESV