Sundays Christmas holidays activity was a ride on the Holiday Express Steam engine. The train departs from a spot directly on the Springwater trail, next to Oaks Park. The skies were a dark grey, it was 39 degrees, and it was snowing, and sensible people might think it is not the best bicycle riding opportunity. But it seemed like a good idea to us. So, with several layers of clothes and some good lights we set off for the bike ride through Sellwood, and out the Springwater trail to board the train.

The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF) will be holding its annual fundraiser, the Holiday Express on December 7th – 9th & 14 – 16th on the Oregon Pacific Railroad.

The 40-minute round trip train ride departs from Oaks Park Station, follows the Willamette River north towards the Ross Island Bridge and back. So its a very short, and slow trip, (bicycles were passing us) but the views of the river are very nice. Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation’s mission is to build a new home for Portland’s three steam locomotives. ORHF is currently negotiating the purchase of property near the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, because it is within city limits, next to two railroad lines, and an ideal place for the steam locomotives to be accessible to the general public. It was a fun outing to include in our holiday activities, and it seems like a good cause to support.