Dockside

On the other side of the road the double track admits to a complicated rail network totalling some 78 miles of dockside track that carries more express passenger traffic than any other completely unsignalled layout in the country, in addition to a huge tonnage of freight.

Sitting on the dockside at Oban, watching the to-ing and fro-ing in the harbour on a perfect summer's eve, I reflect on a trip which has taken me through our busiest cities to traverse the country's main lines, as well as explore some of the furthest extremities that were literally out on a limb.

Petaluma is also well-positioned as a base for the current riches of the region. Think of this town as the hub of a pioneer’s wagon wheel, spokes stretching out in all directions to day trip points of interest. West to Point Reyes National Seashore and Bodega Bay, north to the redwoods around Guerneville, east to wine country, and south for hiking on Mount Tamalpais or the houseboats and dockside fun of Sausalito, then just over Golden Gate bridge to the big city — all reachable within an hour, traffic-willing.