Bolivian Locomotive Crossing River Valley

A steam locomotive hauls a line of passenger cars along a winding track that cuts sharply through a rugged river valley. The clear, dry mountain light of midday strikes the polished brass fittings and the soot-stained black iron of the engine, creating bright highlights against the deep shadows. Dry, reddish-brown earth slopes steeply down to the churning river below, where white water crashes against dark rocks. Wind whips the sparse, scrubby vegetation along the embankment, bending the low shrubs toward the ground. The diagonal line of the train creates clear motion against the static, arid landscape. Dust kicks up from the wheels, swirling in the turbulent air near the front of the engine. at the edge is the tension in the coupling rods connecting the cars, pulled tight against the curve of the track.