Monday, March 29, 2010

An Amtrak Journey


We took an Amtrak to Ann Arbor, Michigan last week. I will fill you in about details this week. When we arrived at the station, the news was not good. There had been engine trouble in Seattle the day before, and floods in Fargo had put the train 3 hours behind. So, we went to breakfast, visited historic Sugar Loaf Mountain, went to an antique shop that was in former beer brewing caves, and came back to the station. They had made up 20 minutes giving up the smoke stop in Red Wing and the Cities. So we hopped on.
One of the beautiful things about the train is that it's still simple. There are no security features like taking off your shoes, no seatbelts and such a laid back "we'll get there, eventually" atmosphere. It takes you right out of the hurry-scurry mode you may have been in.

The Mississippi River was high and just overflowing some of its borders as we rode over it. And this is the song that came to my mind. The Highway Men were country stars in their own right, who all got together in the 90s to tour and sing together. I wish I would have gone to a concert-it must have been amazing. They included Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash.

Let me just say, "All Aboard!" right now and welcome you to the beginning of the journey with a view of the Winona Station, and a favorite traveling train song.

2 comments:

  1. Can't wait to read about the train trip! That's how I'll be taking my next long trip I think, whenever that may happen!

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  2. I adore the train, John. It's my favorite way to travel across the country when I have the time. More soon!

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