On the Train Again
It’s nearly midnight, the Toledo train station is full of passengers ready to board the Capitol Limited eastbound towards Washington, DC. I walk out the back of the station to rest my bag on the picnic table as is my habit. It’s a bit chilly, but the fresh air beats sitting in the train station. It’s an interesting thing, Amtrak travelers are generally a talkative bunch. Randomly, another traveler proudly tells me that his bag contains a fold up bicycle, would you believe it? And he longs for the return of the Florida Rail Pass. I don’t ask him what he’s doing in Toledo, Ohio, instead of Florida.
I get in a few last minute texts to the guys as the train arrives. (I hope you two had a good day. I did miss our morning radiator time!) I am happy to be in a sleeper, as the coaches are full with many more boarding in Toledo. The excitement of being on board takes me through to Port Clinton where I finally lay down and get some sleep. Sleeping on the train, even in a sleeper room, is still not always super restful. I woke up several times, but again managed to completely miss Cleveland. Darn.
Somehow, I wake up just as we enter Pittsburgh. Perfect timing! I enjoy the scene of the incline railroad, hills, rivers, and bridges as we cross the river into the train station. Every time in come into this station, I will think of the memories of a previous visit with Rollie on the way home from Philadelphia. We did a lot of walking that night! The sun is beginning to rise as we pull out of town, but I am quickly asleep again.
It is a pleasure to wake up in the mountains (well, these are really just big hills in the east!) when on the train. The tracks generally follow a river and the Capitol Limited route is no exception. The river is flowing westward and the vistas are white with a dusting of snow. There is a calmness to it all. An element of serenity that I do not find anywhere else. No better way to enjoy my french toast in the dining car.
The rivers reverse direction as we pass through the tunnel underneath the Eastern Continental Divide. After the tunnel, we follow a small stream flowing eastward with the train. It is peaceful, relaxing, and I can picture myself living in such an environ. The stream turns into a larger river, white water flowing around the rocks with force and recklessness.
This is the way to start a day. We’re running about 45 minutes late, but that is not of any concern. My friends are due in Washington, DC, much later than I, so I will enjoy my bonus minutes of train time. We’re in Cumberland, MD, now. Time to take a fresh air break.
