Our latest journey takes us to Emmett, Idaho on Mother’s Day. A sleepy bedroom community approximately 27 miles from our home yet we haven’t been over there in a long time. One of the 
best parts of getting to Emmett is going past Firebird Raceway. Just over the hill is one of the most beautiful sights you will see. The city lays out across the scenic valley. The picturesque views draw you in like a welcome mat inviting you to come in and see what we have to offer.
Driving Down Main Street
The streets are quiet as we drive down the historic main street. The architecture is traditional brick and mortar steeped in history, advertisements are painted right on the aged brick. It brings me back to a time growing up in a tow
n similar to this one. Everyone knows everyone, businesses line the streets and people stop to talk and catch up on life. I’m sure at one time, these streets were bustling with activity and if those walls could talk, imagine the stories they could tell!
A Conversation Happens
A woman approaches me as I am taking pictures. She tells me that this main street was once thriving until all of the businesses moved out along the highway. There are a few that still call the historic main street home. Communities grow, traffic patterns change and a piece of history is lost as people abandon the buildings that once made up the heart of the city. This woman tells me that there is even a hotel that now has a chain around the door because there is no longer business to keep them open. I hear a note of sadness in her voice as she recalls what used to be. With a shake of her head, she continues her morning walk through the city she calls home. I can understand how she feels because these changes leave behind a piece of our history. Even now I remember “dragging main” as a teenager, waving at all my friends and stopping in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot to hang out. Standing on Emmett’s main street felt like I was home again, right up until the time someone honked at me to get out of the middle of the street!
Train Station Ahead
Imagine my excitement as we rounded a corner only to see the train station. The beautiful red train engine calling out to me and I jump out of the car, yes it was s
topped! As I get closer, I can see that there is another car on the tracks, their impact is so powerful. They are red and so shiny that I can’t help but get closer. The second car appears to be a passenger car designed for the elite. The door let’s you know that it is “Business Car Private” just in case you weren’t sure! My imagination conjures up what it must have been like to ride in that car and all the people who have passed through it’s door. As I look down the tracks I see even more trains which now I must check out. I don’t want to miss a thing! We jump back in the car and head down a little further and find one of the most iconic trains in Idaho in its final resting place.
Thunder Mountain Line
“Take a ride aboard the historic Thunder Mountain Line as it winds it’s way along the Payette river from Horseshoe Bend to Banks, Idaho.” This train created many memories with holiday rides, murder mysteries and wonderful dinners as it wound it’s way throughout Idaho. I always dreamed of being on this train and experiencing the many adventures but it was not to be. This train no longer runs but instead resides in Emmett Idaho. It stands proud in all it glorious splendor and you want to climb aboard and be swept away. It is so sad that something like this is no longer available for all to enjoy. See the story of how it came to be at https://www.facebook.com/pg/Thunder-Mountain-Line-77583428629/about/?ref=page_internal.
Final Thoughts
Live in the present but remember the past for it is your history. Share it with those who come behind so that your legacy is never lost. Too often we try to forget the past because it maybe it just wasn’t wonderful. You are wonderful and there is beauty in everything. When you share your past, you leave a piece of you with those you love. Remember to focus on the good for it will sustain you through all the difficult times! Go out and discover beauty in the ordinary! Until next time . . .