A picture of a train in Redding

That is all.
Union Pacific train in Redding CA
Where are the aerodynamic Freightliners of yore? These boxy diesel engines have the grace of any industrial machinery where form follows function, but they could use a little more style.
engineer on train in reddingfreight train in Redding
As seen in our rail town one evening recently, it’s Really Redding.

Images of snowcapped mountains over pastoral Cottonwood

Saturday was dreary in the valley, but Sunday was aptly named, as the sun exposed the mountains above Cottonwood, gleaming in snowy dress. This is looking northwest, toward Igo.
Hayfork BallyShasta BallyMountains over Cottonwood
Cottonwood California is a few miles south of Redding. It’s a loosely defined large region of rural properties along Cottonwood Creek and the Sacramento River. There is a charming old western town near the railroad, and a modern gated community along the river. An altogether lovely place.

Getting high at Highland Park -images

High on a lift known as a cherry picker, that is. I went up yesterday to take some photos and video of the beautiful new subdivision under construction by Palomar Builders in Redding. It was a spectacular day, and the view from the lift was gorgeous. It’s really fun to see this spectacular new neighborhood under construction, and imagine it as a built out neighborhood of energy efficient homes. Especially nice too, to see many people hard at work, employed at things getting done. Many thanks to Tom Papac and Jeb Allen of Palomar for inviting me out for the unparalleled bird’s eye view. Click on the first image to see our new slideshow.


Sunny December days in our glorious valley town. It’s ReallyRedding.

Turtle Bay to Hilltop River Trail sunset images

river trail at hwy44river trail at hwy 44sacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingsacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingsacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingsacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingHere are a few images taken as we enjoyed a recent stroll on the newest segment of the River Trail across the Sacramento River on the new Highway 44 pedestrian (and auto) bridge. Then it’s back across the Sundial Bridge as it switches to Moondial Mode. Nice.
It seems like we now have a paved river trail that stretches from Shasta Dam to the Mt Shasta Mall and beyond. It’s your all day pass to the Northstate’s Magic Kingdom, and admission is priceless.
Free scenery, it’s ReallyRedding.

New music piece inspired by a photo

Baby in  a carseat in redding by skip murphy
Swaddled by SkipMurphy Somebody plopped this little human in front of me while I was at work in the office. I don’t know who it is. Not thinking much about it, I took a picture with my iPhone. Later, seeing the image inspired me to try and capture the musical feelings I got from looking at the image. Like some art, I’m not sure I got what I wanted. So this remains a musical sketch. But art can be surprising. Perhaps like this baby:

It will grow on me over time.
It may not be finished. Whatever finished means.

Catch and release

Among the memories of my youth, I very fondly recall catching lizards. Their reptilian stares, their colorful and varied skins of beady armor. Although I no longer wield the hand-eye speed I possessed in those magical days of jars and cigar box terrariums, It seems I can still catch an occasional lizard. And still let it go.
Lizzard1
This critter is more serpent like.
Lizzard2
He or she fades in among the local colors. Adios.
Lizzard3
Catch and release lizards. They’re ReallyRedding.