# 2, The Journey Begins

 February 11 - 12

A sharp rap at 5:00 am woke me after too-few hours of fitful sleep.  I reached across the 6” space between my bed and the door and pulled back the curtain.  Roomettes, as they are called on Amtrak, are very compact rooms, so at least I didn’t have to get out of bed to answer the door.  My attendant had warned me the night before that we may arrive in Sacramento early, so she’d make sure to give me some warning.  I waved that I was awake, and she went on her way. 

Vancouver Amtrak Station

As I quickly dressed in the dark, I thought back to the previous day.  I reminded myself again that I wasn’t taking this trip to get a proper night’s sleep but to enjoy an adventure.  On Friday, as soon as I saw the vintage Vancouver Amtrak station, my adventure mindset kicked in and I reminisced about all my train trips in years gone by.  It’s all about the scenery, getting to know strangers, seeing into people’s very real back yards, and so many places that you would never travel by car.  Apart from commuter trains, traveling by train is not about getting somewhere, but about going somewhere. 

Train #11 Southbound Coast Starlight

When I boarded in Vancouver at 1:10 pm, I dropped my luggage off in my room and was then ushered straight into the dining car for lunch.  Though they have in recent years done away with their china plates, Amtrak still tries to create a special dining experience.  Fresh cut roses graced the table as Portland slowly slipped by my window.  As I waited for my chicken Caesar salad, I snapped a few pictures of the pretty parts of town.  As you all know, it is not so pretty anymore. 

 

Vancouver Amtrak Station

The Coast Starlight required masks to be worn at all times, even while in a private room, and even while sleeping.  With that in mind, there wasn’t a lot of point in holing up in my room, so I spent much of the afternoon in the lounge car, visiting with two Amish couples.  Though I don’t wish to become one, I have a strong affinity to, and respect for, the culture and people.  Being mindful of subject matter, we found plenty of things in common to talk about, family and kids being high on the list.

 

Due to Covid restrictions, Amtrak has done away with community dining.  Thus, I was dining alone on a salad with baby brie and salmon over ancient grains, as the sun slipped below the horizon.  Since I knew it would be a short night of interrupted sleep, it wasn’t long before I asked my attendant to make up my bed for me so I could stretch out and read myself to sleep.