For the Love of Trains!

This morning was the first in many mornings I heard the echoes of train horns cheering across Bellingham. When I first moved here I felt like I heard the train horns constantly, in the best way. Over time I heard the trains less, due to regulations (more on that later) and my ears getting used to them – with the exception of summer days strolling on Taylor Dock or getting a coffee at Boulevard… Those exceptions made me look like a little kid covering my ears and making the most pitiful frowny face at Chef to make him laugh. 

But this morning I heard, what I assume, was many trains wailing. I realized I want to know more about trains in the area. Why do I hear them sometimes and then not at all? If you want to learn about the history of trains in Bellingham I’d highly recommend checking out the Western Libraries Archives and Special Collection for little treasures like this one about the railroad construction.

Let’s Talk Trains In Bellingham

Yup. We have train tracks. I’ve seen homes whose driveways literally have to cross the railroad tracks. Or stunning massive glass condos that have a railroad just below their sightlines. Some homeowners hate them, others find it charming. You can hear the trains kind of everywhere – The same way you can get the general hum of I-5 no matter how removed you think your home or rental is. It’s there in the background.

It’s pretty wild, but for some reason, I’ll always be a fan of seeing a train and hearing the train horns.

The trains I’ve seen are a mix of passenger trains and many are just long train-cars moving who knows what.

I had the pleasure of riding on an Amtrak train with my sister when we both went to college and were returning home for a visit. We thought a train ride would be fun and it absolutely was. Chef took the train to Portland, Oregon for a work trip and that seemed like even more fun. 

My only other experience with riding trains was a trip to Germany, so I think it’s safe to say I am entertained by any kind of alternative travel that isn’t bus or car.

Hushing the Horns

Like I mentioned earlier, there has been less choo-choo’s horns lately, thanks to Railroad Crossing Safety and Quiet Zones for Trains. These Quiet Zone’s are split into two areas, the Waterfront Quiet Zone and Fairhaven Quiet Zone. While again, I am a fan of the train horns I do think of the homeowners and native creatures that are way less excited by the noise pollution.

I will say, I learned some cool stuff about The Train Horn Rule which says, “ locomotive engineers must sound train horns for a minimum of 15 seconds, and a maximum of 20 seconds, prior to entering crossings. Wherever feasible, train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of 2 long, 1 short, and 1 long. The horn must continue to sound until the lead locomotive or train car occupies the grade crossing.” and that I might still hear my train horns if the train crew determines it is appropriate to provide a warning even if it is in a quiet zone.

Toot! Toot! Train Horns!

At the end of the day, I am mesmerized by trains, one of these days I will have to adventure to the Lynden Train Show. Even when I am stuck behind a train and running close to a rehearsal or meetings start time, I can’t help but take a breather and enjoy watching it woosh by.