#8 The Capitol Limited, Chicago to Washington DC

 May 5-6, 2023

I finished my yummy pizza in time to head out to the train "garage" in Chicago.  So much different than boarding in Vancouver.  There you just stand on the correct side of the station, and get on the train when it arrives.  In Chicago, trains are lined up like cordwood, and you better know the correct platform and track number.  Actually, as I was about to board, there was an elderly Amish couple who were on the wrong platform entirely.  An attendant stopped them and sent them to another location, but they seemed so bewildered.  

Union Station, Chicago

Union Station is where trains gather, both Amtrak, and commuter trains.  I believe that the "L" (elevated train) meets here as well, as there are a million wire things overhead as the train leaves the station.

Leaving the city, we cross over the Chicago River.  From this angle the city looks postcard perfect, with the lush green park in the foreground, and the tall buildings in the distance. 

One last glimpse.  I've noticed that train bridges are almost always rusty.

I skipped supper on the train, as I was way too full from the pizza, and settled into my tiny roomette to watch the sun go down. 

Once it gets dark, all I want to do is curl up in my little bed and read until I fall asleep.  When I awoke, the sun was already shining.  During the night we had passed through Indiana and Ohio, and were now in Pennsylvania.

I slipped down the hall in my pajamas and procured a hot cup of coffee from the percolator mid-car.  Taking it back to my room, I enjoyed it while the landscape slid by my window.  The low angle of the sun cast a shadow over the Youghiogheny River.  And no, I did not make the name of that river up.

On this train there isn't a dining room, but rather a café car.  All meals are packaged, and heated in the package, so one must choose wisely.  I took a chance on an omelet with sausage and potatoes, and it was surprisingly good.  And since it's not a staffed dining car, I got to eat alone with my book. 

After breakfast, about the time we stopped in Cumberland, MD, I went downstairs in the train and used the shower.  It seemed it has been used as a storage closet, as it was crammed full of towels and a rolled up mattress.  I got the attendant to move them, and took a nice hot shower as we swayed along.  

Later, when we left a town, I was downstairs by the entrance door.  My attendant had the window portion open.  I asked if I could trade places and enjoy the breeze a while, so he agreed.  He saw my cross necklace and we started talking.  We ended up talking for at least an hour about life, love, and God's work in our hearts.  

And then, before I knew it, it was time to pack up, as we were nearing Washington DC.