China Express - XWE' CHI' EXEN (Cherry Point) End of the line

Xwe' chi' eXen is a sacred landscape of the Lummi Nation, where they have lived for 3500 years.  It is also the proposed terminal location and shipping point for the export of the Powder River Basin coal to China.

Jay Julius, Lummi tribal council member, shared the tribe's concerns with me walking along the beach at Cherry Point several weeks ago. 

To see and hear Jay's story click here.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

China Express - Spilling The Coal:

Several weeks ago as I followed the China Express, I met and spent time with Don McDermott.  Don lives near Murdock, WA along the Columbia River.  He refers to his vineyard and home as his "little piece of paradise."

Don, a former railroad executive, says, "I don't have a problem with the railroad, but I do have  a problem with the coal shippers bringing coal through my property and spilling it."

To see and hear Don's story click here.

 be strong, be safe, Carlan

China Express Exhibit - Santa Fe Art Institute:

Please join us at the Santa Fe Art Institute
Lecture and Exhibit Opening
Monday, 3/11, 6:00pm
China Express Exhibition
3/12-4/5, Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Santa Fe Art Institute Gallery
    Unable to attend?  Click here to view the exhibit.

Mary-Charlotte Domandi of KSFR radio Santa Fe interviewed me this morning about China Express.  Click here to hear the interview.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Editing, sequencing, and printing:

After 4600 miles I arrived home slightly road-weary but also energized by the welcoming people I met and magnificent landscape along the way. The past three weeks have been spent editing, sequencing, and working on the stories I collected.

My first story on the China Express is the Turnercrest Ranch, Powder River Basin, WY.  LJ Turner has lost 6000 acres to the Powder River Mines and they have drained his wells below 600 feet. He's had to cut his herd in half and he's worried about his future. 

To see and hear LJ's story click here

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Heading back home:

3,000 miles, 17 days, since leaving New Mexico following the proposed rail route of the China Express.  It is just the beginning of an untold story in many ways.

I90 East from Seattle

Eastern Washington

Mount Adams near Yakima, WA

 Boise, ID

Hum of the tires on the highway ahead for a few days.  Good time to sort out the stories.   Call today from Santa Fe Art Institute.  They asked if it might be possible to hang an exhibit of prints on the China Express the first of March.  I said yes. 

be strong, be safe, Carlan

XWE' CHI' EXEN (Cherry Point) End of the rail line:

Xwe' chi' eXen is a sacred landscape of the Lummi Nation.  It is also the proposed terminal location and shipping point for the export of the Powder River Basin coal to China.

Xwe' chi' eXen

For over 3,500 years, 175 generations, the Lummi have lived, raised their families, celebrated, held ceremonies, died and are buried here.  The proposed terminal at this location includes an 80 acre coal storage area placed upon a Washington state designated burial site and ancestral village.

Ancestral village and burial site

The Lummi Nation is rich with oral tradition, culture, and traditional knowledge.  The area is revered by the people as a creation site.  It is significant for their relationship with the salmon, and is integral to the salmon ceremonies.

On the horizon the Frazier River carries salmon into the bay

Jay Julius, tribal official, "the salmon are our buffalo".

I spent time talking and walking with Jay Julius across the stones along the beach.  Jay stopped at one point and said, "we are walking on the stones our ancestors walked on 3,500 years ago".

I will share more of Jay's story with you when I return home. I also know I will return to work with the Lummi.  They have important teachings to share.

be strong, be safe, Carlan 

Into Seattle:

Following the China Express into Seattle I was in familiar territory.  In the early 80's I established my commercial photography studio in Pioneer Square within a short walk from the rail route.  Sometimes when a freight train rumbled through we had to stop shooting and wait for the vibrations to settle.  As I drove back to the old locations I had known so well change was very apparent.

Rail crossing Seattle

Scoping meetings for proposed route have raised voices in the community

Ferry traffic must exit across the proposed rail route

Rail draw bridge at the Ballard Locks

Many condominiums line the waterfront along the rail

Liz Talley's home overlooks the rail along the Puget Sound

I have spent two days here with old friends and met new ones, including Liz. Liz is concerned about the future of her home. I will share more of her story with you after I complete the route.

be strong, be safe, Carlan