February 8, 2024
My train trip last May was inspired by a trilogy of books written by Eugenia Price, that took place primarily on St Simon's Island, off the coast of Georgia. Lately I've been reading through her trilogy about the history of St Augustine, Florida and felt inspired to make a trip there. And then, as they say, "in for a penny, in for a pound" so I decided to take the long way around and also visit San Antonio, Texas. Having never been to either city, I look forward to exploring many new places.
Brought to the historic Vancouver Amtrak by my daughter and
her three inquisitive boys, we had some extra time to explore the little museum
area with its complex diorama, due to the train being a bit late. Of course, we also hit up the snack machine
and, back outside, watched the machines
at work in the metal recycling plant nearby.
And then the train came screeching into the station and I climbed aboard. Vancouver is a very brief stop so there’s no dawdling.
By the time I dropped my bags in the little roomette I'd been assigned, they were making “last call” for lunch in the dining room. I was seated with a youngish man who had also boarded in Vancouver. I ordered a springy salad with goat cheese and a sliced chicken breast. It was very fresh and tasty.
While we chatted and got acquainted, our train chugged across the Columbia River and headed towards Portland Union Station. My lunch companion was very interesting, as he loved to travel and had been many places where I had not. Though he wore no wedding ring, I deduced by a comment that he was likely married. A few questions about her traveling with him and I received the sad news that she had brain cancer.
Back in my room I got everything tucked into its proper place and then whiled away the rest of the day, with one eye on the scenery rushing by, and one on the book in my lap. The day had turned rather gray, so the views weren't too inspiring, but I always like to look anyway. As an excuse to get up and stretch my legs, I made several little videos for the grandkids, about life aboard the train.
Soon after dinner I had my little bed made up and hung the tiny strand of star lights that I’d brought. The first night on the train is usually challenging for me, so soon I pulled all my curtains, locked my door and turned in for the night.
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