Day 42 - Train travel

"You've done this before, then..." she said after I had helped her figure out how to re-open the door between cars, that was closing on her.  "Yes I have." I said with a chuckle.  John S., you would be proud of me! 😊

I don't know how many times I've traveled by train, but today offers a few firsts.

1) First time on the Empire Builder.  I'm excited to see the northern stretch of the country from the ground instead of the air.

2) First time in a sleeper car. Coach was sold out when I finally bought the ticket. It gave me access to the first-class lounge in Chicago during my layover (which helped tremendously where my bike was concerned!) I have enjoyed the room, but I'm kind of glad I'll be riding coach from St. Paul to Spokane. I can't imagine 30 hours in here, with no one close by to say, "Hey, can you see that out there?" or "So, why are you on this train?" 

At least there is meal time. And tonight I sat with Anna, Claire, and Don. (Don bought the wine, Danke!) They came by way of Australia, Missouri, and the Bronx, through New Mexico, Washington DC, & New Jersey, heading to Colorado & California (via Washington State) and eventually back home. We talked about our families, our trips, American politics and culture, the food and the scenery.  I had to cut it short; I am the only one not spending the night on the train. I came back to write this & make sure my stuff is gathered. Anna needed to get back to work. She's using the length of the train ride to focus her attentions on the book she is writing. And I am sure Don found someone else to talk to on the way back to his cabin & Claire had to push or drag him away so they could get some sleep eventually. 😉

This is what I like about train travel. I know it is not for everyone. I hope the couple I helped through the door gets the hang of it in their inaugeral trip.

My goodness! there was even more that I wanted to say...

- alarm went off @ 4:30am

- Noah & Allie graciously got out of bed to see me off a little after 5

- biked to the train station in Grand Rapids 

- met Meagan when she boarded @ Holland. It wasn't until Gary, IN that we started talking much & had a wonderful conversation about how to engage our students more effectively. It was a good kick start to my cirriculum planning.

-the lounge in Chicago allowed me to store my bag free-of-charge (and concern) and take my bike, unencumbered, down to the lakeshore. I'll get those pictures up as soon as I can.

- I got some lunch & brought it back. About 4 people asked, "Where'd you get that?" After one gentleman heard he had to go upstairs for it, he chose to wait for dinner on the train & just sat down next to me instead. That started a lovely conversation about his time in Brooklyn, LA, Traverse City & Chicago. He had plenty of stories, including the one about being friends with Van Johnson & being an extra in the movie, The Last Time I Saw Paris.

- I still had plenty of time to relax in the lounge before my 2:15 train left Chicago. So I enjoyed (well, at least "listened to") the Tiger game & participated in the wine tasting between 12:30 & 1:30.

-got me & my bike on board & here we are...

We are about an hour behind schedule, but that just means it will be a little more challenging to stay awake til St. Paul. (and  I'm drifting, as we speak)

 Julie should be there to pick me up. She promised me a bed @ her house. Looking forward to the visit!

Tonight, I thank God for:

- the sun clearing off the rolling fog over the bean, wheat & corn fields

- little old ladies that follow a train to wave good-bye to their loved ones

- sleeper cars, paid for with points

- naps that work!

- friends & family that stay up late & get up  early for you