Happy Sunday! This week, host Egidio has offered up an exercise for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge. The exercise/challenge to for us to linger in place for a short time and take as many pictures as possible.

It’s hard to imagine that exactly a week ago, I was on an Amtrak train zig-zagging through the snowy forests of Oregon. I’ve never been to Oregon and thought the forest was a wonderful introduction to the state. I only wish I got a magnet as a proof I’ve been to the state. Anyway, as the train meandered through the forest, my mom and I decided to head to the last car and stand by the back door of the train to watch the scenery pass by.

As the train exited each tunnel, I would try to snap a photo with my phone. “Do you notice there’s a number above each tunnel?” My mom suddenly said and as we exited the next tunnel, I saw the number.

I started noticing the numbers – 1926, 1929 – most likely the year in which the tunnels were constructed. I only failed to notice the numbers when the train suddenly sped up. Wow, these tunnels are or nearly a century old. As we exited each tunnel, the scenery also changed – from snowy to lush and green. At the foot of the mountain is Eugene, Oregon but before we got there, we must go through a few more tunnels.

Not all tunnels were pitch black, there were some tunnel where one side is partially open. I wish I got a clearer photo inside the tunnel but in low light conditions, even the fastest lens has limitations. I hope you enjoyed my photos taken at the train’s back door.