Anxiously awaiting the trip to begin. \240Been putting together items I will need on the journey. \240Flexibility will be the rule of the day and to expect the unexpected. \240Thanks in part to my children, that gifted me a traveling duffel bag for this purpose, I have a starting point as to what I can carry with me. \240In addition I have a soft side cooler to use for food. \240At this time it is purposeful thoughts about needs and wants.
It has be interesting to hear people’s reactions to my plans. \240Anything form being plumb crazy to that is so cool, I am jealous of you. \240At any rate, idea’s keep being processed.
For those who are wondering here is a map showing the entire routes. \240I do have other maps I will be use while aboard.
PITA is an acronym for Pete’s Insane Train Adventure.
Today I started putting together my travel bag with items I need. \240In the process, most of what needs packing will have to wait to the last day. \240Clean clothes need to wait and also food that will need to be packed. \240Personal hygiene needs are most important, so a last minute haircut is in the works. \240Jean has agreed that shorter than her preference would be ok, besides she will not have to see me until later.
Tonight I am still feeling calm and relaxed. \240It still seems a long way off yet my calendar says 5 days before I begin. \240What does have me anxious is the impending birth of a new grandchild. \240The time has now arrived with a new granddaughter. \240
One day of “work” to go and then it’s time to get on the road (Rail Road). \240First the Family is giving me a retirement party as well as my birthday party. \240For one day a year I get to pretend to be Irish, tomorrow is that day!
With a fresh hair cut tonight, I can check that off the list. \240Next is the printing of tickets, and finish packing my bag. \240Also get my cooler ready for food for the trip. \240And for those that do not know, you are allowed to bring food on board.
I am leaving the home now and on my way to Red Wing, MN to get on the train. \240Checking the Amtrak App indicates that the train is currently on time. \240A lot can happen in three hours, but it is hopeful.
And we are off on the adventure. \24010:05 pm! \240Next stop for me is Seattle.
So I wake up this morning and we are near Hannaford, ND. \240Hmm, not sure why, since Hanford is not on the route for Amtrak. \240Am I being kidnapped?
I was asking for an adventure, sure looks like I am on one. \240And I have to say that the snow pack is beautiful.
Currently stopped. \240Apparently some ice chunks disrupting the air brake system.
The sun has been out most of the day on this leg of travel and the overwhelming sight has been the snow cover. \240But has also meant that the wildlife is out and about. I have seen pheasants, coyotes, deer, coyotes, pronghorns and more coyotes. \240Did I mention coyotes? \240I have seen more coyotes in this trip than any time before total. \240Perhaps it is because there’s so much snow, they are easier to spot or they are hungry or both.
Good morning Washington! \240I had a good night sleep last night, still on Central time zone though. \240The PITA is nearing the completion of the first leg. \240Tracker says I should arrive on time, perhaps a little early.
Soon will be stopping at the Icicle Station at Leavenworth, WA. Known as a tourist stop for the restyle into a German / Bavarian style city. \240After this point the train will be near capacity.
Shortly after that will be the Cascade Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the USA. \240As a trivia buff myself this is exciting!
My wife arrived this afternoon via airplane, to join me for the next week as we celebrate our new granddaughter. \240Journal entries this week will center around our family. \240
On the bright side today is sunny but cool. \240No snow on the ground around here and the perennial shrubs are starting to flower. \240And green grass!
Today was a very mild and sunny day here in Burien. \240High today was around 60 and very low winds. \240Because tomorrow’s forecast is more typical for the area, rainy and cool, with highs in the 40’s,we took advantage and walked around the neighborhood. \240
Much cooler today and on again off again showers. \240Perfect day to be indoors with my grandkids.
Another cold and wind day today. \240Sounds like one more day before it slowly warms up again. \240Of course the plus side is being indoors with our grandkids playing trucks, reading or just simply holding.
I apologize to any waiting for a daily blog. \240Yesterday has been a continuing of the previous days here in Burien. \240Holding Teiko and playing with Theo. \240Of note for anyone wondering, Teiko is becoming more alert to her surroundings. \240This has been fun to see.
It’s late by 23 min. \240But should arrive in Sacramento on time!🙏🙏
Good morning all. \240Had a tough night last night sleeping. \240Not anxiety, but a wiggly little 9 year old girl Elena. \240Still got some and still dark outside,
Made it on time to the Sacramento Valley Station slightly late and now face a 5 hour layover. \240Time to talk to new neighbors.
The California Zephyr is on time today. \240Let’s hope it stays that way. \240The Zephyr yesterday was not running due to weather conditions I have been told. The seat today is the furthest back I can get, but it will be the best as far as luggage totes today with ample room behind my seat.
As I am traveling along the Colorado River and it’s reddish hues, I can understand the naming of the River. \240Many of the streams feeding it are also very red.
Was out of cell selfie some time. \240Here are a bunch of pictures.
Waiting outside of Denver Station for rail to clear. \240Tomorrow morning? \240Hopefully in Omaha!
Sunrise ear Omaha and no snow or rain!
The weather is definitely better than that back home where snow is expected.
Looks to me as if Passover has already occurred and Moses is bringing this train through a opening the weather warning areas.
Just entering into the suburbs of Chicago. \240Will be following a commuter train to the Union Station. \240The last ETA puts it close to 3 hrs late. \240Still plenty of time to catch the next train out for leg #4.
Just boarded the Lakeshore Limited for Boston. \240Due to leave at \2409:30 pm for Leg #4.
I awoke to conductor talk. \240Power lines are down ahead of us due to tornado/storm damages.
Good morning! \240Because of weather related issues we are running 3 hours late. \240On the bright side I will get to have Glimpses of Lake Erie! \240The picture below is associated with Lake Erie which is just on the other side of the land you see.
Additional photos of Lake Erie. \240Next stop is outside of Buffalo NY.
Here is a picture of a travel buddy that got on in Sacramento and shared the back end of the train with.
For those that need to know. \240The Lakeshore Limited does not use the Superliner car because of some tunnel and bridge height restrictions. \240Most of the amenities are similar but are all one the same level. \240I found the seats don’t recline as much ☹️ but the restrooms have more space🙂, however there are only two per car. \240So you have to wait your turn.
So, I am now into the first true issue I have encountered with Amtrak personally. \240Beginning the third hour of a mechanical issue. \240As of right now that puts me into Boston around 5-6 hours late or around 2:00 am tomorrow. \240Good thing I have an extra day planned already.
Made to Albany. \240The train splits here. \240Half \240goes to Boston (my half), the other half goes to New York City.
Springfield, MA and two more hours to go. \240Lost a bunch of travel friends here. \240Some are going skiing in New Hampshire. \240One guy is going to his new job at a golf course in Maine another just going home to pack up and move to another town. \240Yeah you get to meet all kinds. \240And I forgot about the guy who is coming back from visiting his girlfriend in Wisconsin, begging her to come back with him.
Today is Palm Sunday and I am in Boston. \240Thanks to those at church praying for me on my ventures. \240And yes I saw the sharing of the peace. \240Thanks to those who shared with me on line, and peace be with you also.
Some sites along the way from the hotel to the bakery and back.
Good morning Readers. \240Here at Boston South Station to begin my next leg of travel to Washington DC.
One of the first people on the train! 👍
Following views are track bays/platforms.
Coming into Stamford, CT
Some train views
Views of New York City as we come int Penn Station
So what do you do in Washington DC with only 4 hrs? \240Not much, and that is especially true if you need to tote your bags everywhere you go. \240Here’s what I did just outside of the Station! \240Sunny and 70
Pull my bags has my back hurting. \240It’s an awkward pull and I felt something pop! 😩. Needless to say I must rest and go on😏.
I am awaiting Leg # 6. \240New Orleans here we come.
The ride to New Orleans has been good so far, as far as my posts are concerned, not so good. \240I believe there was a calling from God for me to listen to my seat mate. \240Ironically her name is Jean! \240The story is complicated and I will need to contemplate the issues first. \240Needless to say I believe that God brought her to me for her emotional support. \240More later!
Good night.
I have felt the train stopped, now I know why!
Good morning all. \240Ok not quite yet, but I will not be able to sleep much more. The thoughts going through my mind have been so overwhelming that I can’t sleep at the moment. \240So here I am with you and my heart praying for my seat companion and struggles she had faced and about to face bravely alone. More about it later!
Now that I am on leg six of nine, the question begs of many, would I do this again? \240Yes is my answer! I planned this adventure to see the country and in return I found the people. \240For too many people it is about how quickly it can be done, and they forget to smell the roses along the way. \240Here is where the people are! \240You have time to have meaningful conversations and share the experiences both good and bad.
I may finish my trip exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally, but I will continue to ride.
Day break has started as I enter into Georgia and I can see leaf buds on the hardwood trees has begun in northern part of the state. \240Remembering my geography this area is part of the Appalachian mountains. \240Not going to get good pictures since the windows are dirty☹️.
I had wanted to post pictures along the route, but after so many trees and a bit of fog it has been difficult. \240Only so many words, and I am not good at giving a play by play announcent of what I see. So……….
Next destination is Birmingham AL. \240According to the train conductor, there will be a turnover of passengers and an increase in passengers!
For the trivia buffs: \240Birmingham AL is the only place in the world that the 3 major feed stocks that produce steel can be found naturally nearby. \240Iron ore, Coal, and Limestone!
A number miles back there must have been a huge derailment of a freight train. \240By the time I thought about taking a picture, the moment had passed.☹️☹️
The train travel between Anniston and Birmingham was extremely slow. \240And yet we have lost any time. \240I did however lose my seat mate here as she is making her way to Nashville.
Tuscaloosa, AL after teary eyed write, you are the sunshine I have been waiting for!
Finally made it Meridian, MS. It has been a slow ride the past 1.5 hours. \240Despite that, we only lost 30 minutes. \240It has appeared to me a couple of factors caused this. \240First off is the priority freight traffic has in the USA railroad system. \240Second it looks like a lot of wind damage recently with trees along the railroad line. \240Many areas you can see fresh cut wood alongside the railroad right of way.
Here I am sitting on the train about 10 miles from Laurel, MS. Hoping to snap a few photos for Jean. \240You see, one of Jean’s favorite home improvement shows is called Home Town and is based in Laurel MS. \240The daylight if fading fast.
Made it to New Orleans. \240Tomorrow leaving here at 8:00 to terminal for 9:00 am start.
Nice way to start my day. \240No power! \240Needless to say it was quite an experience to shave and shower in the dark. \240Well not quite! \240I used the flashlight function on my phone!
This morning in New Orleans the temperatures show 76 degrees and it is humid!
Now enroute to San Antonio, TX, should arrive shortly after Midnight.
Looking at the weather forecast for the some thunderstorms are forecasted in the area. \240Indeed off in the distance I can see some flashes.
Hello San Antonio and good night! \240I’ll be waking up somewhere in Texas! \240This is where we meet up with the Texas Eagle train from Chicago and continue on together to Los Angeles.
Interesting. Since railroad follows along the Mexican border I got this message: \240
El Paso, TX. And a burrito lady waiting! \240My understanding is that this lady has been dishing out burrito’s for years at this location. \240She has quite a gig going, and is well known by all the railroad personnel here and the crews.
A fuel station for trains! Whoda thunk! \240🤷♂️🤷♂️. I know they have stopped for fuel before, but not like this in the middle of nowhere.
Officially in Arizona now! \240First is the Benson station, then Tucson as dusk descends upon the train. \240The next time I see daylight I should be in Los Angeles.
Sometimes there are certain moments in life that are beyond rewarding. \240This is a treatment for the eyes that no amount of words can describe.
Well, nearly to Los Angeles! \240Even Early!
Leg # 8 is my next route, in 2 hours I board. \240First pictures of the station.
Some views from Ventura to Santa Barbara
Here are a bunch of photos since Santa Barbara. To just past the Vandenberg Air Force Base. \240I have many more pictures than these.
California cattle. \240As they eat on these side slopes over time you end up with the horizontal ridges along the slope. \240
Beautiful ag land with mountains in the background. \240And I thought the land around Stephen, MN is flat. But then again Stephen doesn’t have mountains.
Gilroy proclaims to be the Garlic capitol of the world!
Looks like fruit trees to me!
Coming into San Jose, CA. It’s getting to dark for pictures, so time to get some rest. \240Tomorrow morning is should be waking up near Klamath Falls, OR.
Ah, the fresh air break! \240This has gotten to something of a joke amongst the riders. \240You see, Amtrak does not allow smoking on the train, so to accommodate those passengers, Amtrak has scheduled certain stops for them! \240Fresh air indeed!
Much has happened while out of touch with connections. \240Some my favorite pictures:
I am here now in Klamath Fall, OR. \240The train is still running on time even possible to arrive in Seattle early.
I had a good night sleep last night and that is not easy when you are Rock and Roll! \240I am a whole lotta country and will sometimes jazz up with out all that classical attire. \240But don’t ask me to rap because it’s \240all about my soul. \240It is the hymn and his Gospel that gets me through.
On the bright I am about 12 hours from my newest granddaughter .
Here is the dinner menu that is available for all sleeper guests as part your fees. \240It is also available for a limited number of coach passenger’s by reservations only and a prepaid fee upon the time you make a reservation.
It’s great to see what was missed on the journey by rail because of darkness or sleeping. \240Will also be losing cell service soon!
Fresh air stop and boarding many passengers
I have found my happy place! \240The Williamete Valley in general!
It’s the agricultural variety combined with the coastal range on the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east.
Willamete Falls
Only Niagara Falls has more water volume flowing over it.
Now in Portland, OR. The cherry blossoms are now in full bloom.
Back in Washington, just 4 more hours until I hold my granddaughter again.
Now that Leg #8 is nearing completion, I will have a lot of reflection to impart in the following days before leg #9.
Happy Easter everyone. \240I made back to my daughters house last night, had a shower and a delicious meal, then settled into slumber. \240Until Thursday April 13, I will enjoy the days with the grandchildren before I embark on the final leg home.
Here we are celebrating Easter with friends.
So what do you do on a cool rainy day in Burien with a new granddaughter? \240You cuddle!
Another cool and wet day here in Burien, WA! \240Another day of cuddling, how good can it get!
Out for a walk on this cool 44, but sunny day. \240I am walking around this lake.
Another cool day today in Burien, WA. \240This afternoon I will begin my final leg of journey. \240While bitter sweet to leave my granddaughter, grandson, and Amber and David, I also relish getting back home to a loving wife.
No assigned seats, but I did finagle to get Redcap service to get on the train first. \240My preferred seat was still unavailable as they are reserved for crew.☹️ \240I did get the second best seating!😀😀
The end of another day. And ironically another story to tell. \240From Everet until Wenatchee I met Taylor and listened to his story. \240More on that later. \240Now something to eat and sleep are in order.
Grandma and Grandson going to Williston, ND to visit her son who was in a motorcycle accident last week.
Because we have arrived in Minot 50 minutes early , we have a grand opportunity to get off and walk around for close to an hour.
The mind is racing in anticipation of being home! \240Can’t sleep!
Interesting that the Grand Forks station is set on a curve in the mainline tracks.