Photowalk: Train Spotting and Photowalking Downtown Navasota
Details
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Let's take an early morning walk in Navasota, and then train spot along Railroad Street before lunch. Navasota is a great example of early Texas city architecture, and sits next to 2 major rail systems, the Union Pacific and BNSF lines.
(Lead photo credit: Debi Beauregard)
ABOUT THIS PHOTOWALK
After enjoying some coffee at Classic Rock Coffee Shop, we will start by photographing the early Texas architecture of downtown Navasota. Then walk around Washington Street, visit the antique stores, shoot the buildings, and maybe visit the new Court House. As we get closer to 10:45 or 11am, we will make our way down to Railroad Street.
ABOUT TRAINSPOTTING
Mayor Bert Miller tells me that most train activity happens between 11a and 1p. So around 11am, we can gather up near the train tracks (a safe distance away), sit in lawn chairs and talk about camera life ... and shoot some train photos as they roll by. Trainspotting is a hobby that some railfans enjoy, usually attempting to collect "spotting" data of various types of rolling stock. Many people that enjoy this hobby also photograph the trains.
Personally I enjoy the train graffiti, its a chance to see art from all over the country as it travels past.
Unfortunately, we won't have a train schedule, or know how many we can expect. That's part of the fun. :)
IMPORTANT NOTE
Trainspotting (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railfan#Trainspotting) photography is not without its challenges in this post-9/11 era. We will have to be very careful about staying at a safe distance, not do anything that would attract the attention of the authorities -- and be extremely friendly to anyone that approaches and questions what we are doing. We are a photography club that is practicing our hobby. By being respectful and safe, we can help show society that hobby photographers are not criminals.
AFTER THE PHOTOWALK AND TRAINS
Before heading home, we'll pile up in the new Classic Rock Coffee Shop for some lunch. This is a really interesting location in Navasota, and I'm looking forward to trying the place out. Have a look at their web site for more info:
Here are some photos of previous visits to the Navasota area.
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By Menno
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By Pam Samuels
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By Marilyn Tamalavage
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By Peg
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By Monique
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By Joe Lippeatt