By DENNIS WYATT 209 Living OAKDALE —The appeal of riding the Sierra Railroad hits you as you scan the wide open countryside absent of telephone poles and any signs of civilization save an occasional farm house as you rumble along east of Oakdale. The click-clack of the wheels passing over the rails provides a soothing background serenade as you ponder what the valley looked like centuries ago unencumbered by man. There is something special about just taking it easy and killing time with good conversation and good scenery at a leisurely pace that makes the tab seem like a downright bargain.