[OT from cottage renovations]
one might head out along the tracks looking for trains, or to pursue the fieldwork necessary to work out the ghostly data packets that accompany them, streaming invisibly (and sometimes incomprehensibly) through the ether.
both are excellent excuses for getting out and often provide chance opportunities to appreciate other aspects of the railroad's setting.
(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)
Mikom control point,
West Sacramento, California
there is, for instance, a truly excellent blackberry patch along the right of way near the spot where the (former) Sacramento Northern crosses the (former) Southern Pacific. alas, there's no picture: there was abundant evidence but it was all eaten, and a delicious treat it was on a hot afternoon.
there was also a stand of these thistles, demonstrating the proximity of its species to the artichoke.
Cirsium
Sierra control point,
Roseville, California
though sometimes the bounty is edible, on many occasions strong defensive measures have been set in place to discourage the attentions of species with which beneficial arrangements have yet to be established, presenting an interesting contrast to bloom and spike.
"there's nothing worth your trouble here, just move along."