(Sung to the tune of “City of New Orleans” by Steve Goodman, popularized by Arlo Guthrie:)
Ridin’ the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad,
North Clark County, Mom’s Day holiday train,
Rooftop seats for Mom and all the family,
Or wine and dinner to help her feel urbane.
There’ll be four daytime odysseys,
As the diesels leave from Yacolt, see?
And roll along to visit Yacolt Falls.
The wine-and-dinner train will flee,
From Moulton Falls Winery,
Where there’s music, food, drinks and other thrills.
…
Chorus
This weekend it’s Mother’s Day in Yacolt!
Say don’t you want to take Mom on the train?
It’s the train they call the Prairie of Chelatchie,
It’s a beautiful excursion — shine or rain!
…
Early afternoons in downtown Yacolt,
Or late on Saturday at Moulton Winery,
There’s a 300-foot-long tunnel on the journey,
So grab your Mom and don’t forget to breathe,
And the songs of Rowdy Mountain,
And the songs of old JT,
Will keep those Moulton diners entertained.
Mothers with their broods around,
Are guaranteed to love the sound,
As everybody sings “Happy Mother’s Day.”
…
2nd chorus (everybody!)
This weekend it’s Mother’s Day in Yacolt!
Say don’t you want to take Mom on the train?
It’s the train they call the Prairie of Chelatchie
It’s a beautiful excursion — shine or rain!
In other words
We hope you enjoyed the above cramming of information into the rhythm of a classic train song. Here’s the nonrhyming version.
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is Clark County’s all-volunteer excursion train line. It kicks off its 2016 season this weekend, with special events in celebration of Mother’s Day. All trains have both open-rooftop seating for great views, and tamer, warmer seating inside.
The whole family can take part in a 13-mile roundtrip journey from the downtown Yacolt station through scenic countryside to Moulton Station-Yacolt Falls; there will be departures at noon and 2:30 p.m.May 7 and 8.