Preaching to the choir again. We too love Amtrak. Before that (I’m older), we lived in Birmingham, and my mom’s family lived in Atlanta, and there were no interstates yet, so the real Crescent ran back then, under the auspices of Southern Railroad. When I was in high school, word went out that Southern would be sold, and the Crescent would end, and I convinced my friend at the time, to buy a round trip ticket to Atlanta and back for the final runs.
My sister, getting married for the second time to the same guy in Houston, we reserved two sleepers on Amtrak. 9/11 happened, and Amtrak management made a shrewd decision. Y’all may remember, that with the threat having been from the air, all flights were banned for a time in the US, and planes in flight on that day had to land at the nearest airport. There were many thousands of travelers stranded away from their destination. Amtrak made the decision to honor all valid flight tickets for train travel. We were fortunate on 9/13 to have the sleeper reservations, because there was standing room only in the coach sections.
We have twice taken Amtrak’s Auto Train, which runs daily between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida - two trains - each depart the respective terminus at 1600 after loading all the cars and motorcycles - pass in the night, and arrive at the other respective terminus at 1000. All the vehicles are unloaded, and folks well rested, continue their trip. The first time we took it, we had our Prius, and went down to see the final shuttle flight poised on the launch pad, and then continued on to Key West, and back by way of the Everglades Nat’l Park.
The second time, my wife and I took a motorcycle, and rode down to Key West for Thanksgiving several years ago.
And then there were my mother’s funeral, and ten years later, my father’s funeral, both in Savannah, served by Amtrak.
Yes, Joesmo3. I agree, and lovely is precisely the right word to describe the air-ride, easy-swaying motion of Amtrak. A good way unwind; and leave the driving to them. 😉
Well, for those who know, that goes without saying. The reality, is that true keylime pie is a thing of the past. It was a favorite of my mother, and as a child, our family traveled to the Keys on summer vacation - that was the early 60’s, and keylime pie was getting scarce even then.
You drove over the old bridges! Trucker's had to tuck in their rearview mirrors in order to clear on coming traffic. Henry Flagler built the railroad to Key West. Like the Panama canal, the workers used hand tools and wheel barrows.
BINGO ! Yes, I was so fascinated as a child spotting places where the rails were still there, and that the road engineers took the road over the top of the Bahia Honda bridge. Amazing history, and the cost of ignorance (of the weather, at the time). Many a dream had me on that train to Key West. Another big surprise, was the acrobatic training program on Key West - who knew ? And all the cats at Ernest Hemingway’s house.
My parents loved St Augustine & I tried to go last year when I drove down but I-95 was shut down due to a terrible accident w/ 2 people
losing their lives…just so sad. I ended up staying the night in Savannah which was a blessing as I found a great boutique hotel w/ 1 room left as I was parked in front of the hotel…a total “Godwink”. Had a yummy dinner & walked the shopping area that brought back great memories from when hubby was still alive….bittersweet.
Look forward to hopefully a fun breakfast w/ you!!!
Oh for sure see St Augustine…..one of my very favorite places to visit! Let me know if you get in that area….would love to share conversation with you at the Waffle House!
I need to consider the auto train on my trip south. I honestly didn't know about it. Sounds lovely. I was going to drive but why bother ...go by Amtrak with car on board!!
Looked it up & it really looks & sounds wonderful. I'm a long way from DC. I'm half way from there to Sanford, Fl actually. So as much as I would want to do this I can forget about it. That's sad. Wish they had one out of Charlotte or at least Raleigh. I appreciate your encouragement though. Since I'm planning this trip alone it would have been perfect.
Another alternative that many of my neighbors do if you don’t want to do the drive. There are companies that will pick your car up & load on a trailer to take down & deliver to the address of your choice!
I love the dream-like, floaty feeling of Amtrak's air-ride. It IS so laid back and cozy-comfortable and RELAXING! You haven't lived unless you've ridden it. I highly recommend it at least once.👍
Great writing, as usual, Sean! We're with you on your train ride. The most memorable train rides I've taken have been overseas. One very memorable one was between Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey, the most well-known city in the country and the capitol. It was an overnight one with lots of stops, so the sleep was interrupted, but the service, especially the tea cart that came around regularly, was superb. Another great one was in Thailand, from Bangkok to the northern part of the country where two of my friends and I traveled into the inner country and saw many indigenous peoples living their lives. Ah, the toot of the train whistle and the rocking motion of the train. Haven't been on one in years, but yes, they let you see the countryside at ground level. Enjoy your train rides, Sean.
In 1962 I boarded the Burlington Northern train in Chicago for a trip to the World’s Fair in Seattle, Washington. To this day I can’t tell you anything about the fair itself. But I can remember everyday’s adventure on the train. I loved it. We took the northern route which meant we traveled through South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, & finally arrived in Washington. It was a dream come true. We didn’t have a sleeper cabin for the four of us but the reclining seats were great. Trying to get back & forth between cars was tricky for my 9 yr. old self. Eating in the dining car was special & I remember my parents being so proud we never spilled our food or drink. My brother & I ran up & down the stairs up to the domed observation seats & the view seemed to go on forever.
Thanks Sean for those memories of 62 years ago. I can still feel the train rumbling back & forth. I think I just heard that ole train whistle calling me to those clakety tracks again! 🚂
Growing up in rural South Dakota, our house was parked half a block away from a train track. At the time, the trains (either the Milwaukee Road or BNSF) carried passengers and/or freight. The the trill of the whistles and the clack of the wheels on the tracks became music to my ears, often lulling me to sleep. I do so miss that musical noise. Thank you, Sean, for reminding me of the beauty of trains. I am going to check to see if there is one going from Texas to Kansas, where some of my grandchildren live.
There are! You may have to make connecting rides by Bus or Taxi, etc., included as part of your ticket. They didn't have that at Christmastime in Arizona though, so my son had to drive 3 hours both ways for the balance of my trip from Flagstaff to the Phoenix area. My son says that after an accident a few years ago, they discontinued that run.
As Susie S says above, the Amtrak Super Chief is an outstanding ride. Much more room than on a train, and in Coach, your seat even has adjustable leg rests and the seat lays back, not disturbing the seat behind you. The seat in front of you doesn't even move your table. You can walk around, go to the Observation Car, also with tables for cards, games or eating. An all around delightful experience.
Thanks, Bruce! I did check and there is one that leaves directly from Temple, TX, which is only 15 minutes from me. It goes to Kansas City and my son will have to drive from Lawrence to get me. You mean they don't have one that goes directly to Phoenix? That is quite unbelievable!
With all the Tracks in the Phoenix area there probably is one, but it also probably starts from somewhere down in Texas. Which would probably require me to go East 1st from Dodge City, change trains by Bus to Wichita, then by Train to somewhere deep into Texas, and changing Trains again for Phoenix.
BTW, I have a Cousin, who lives in Temple now, originally from Bakersfield, Calif., but his 9 kids and grandkids all are in Texas. He is a Retired Bird Colonel Army Nurse. ADDENDUM: He was actually Born in Copeland, Kansas, about 25 miles from here, and they moved to Bakersfield later, after his little sister was a few years older.
If you go overseas you'll ride trains a lot. One of the main modes of transportation. I've been to Naples Italy 6 times. In 1980 you could ride first class round trip to Rome for $14. We went there a lot. Always something happening on the train, too. Always a story to tell. All kinds of food for sale, even wine. Big fun for sailors looking to escape the crowd.
I’m so glad you wrote this, Beth! Trains were/are notoriously late. Now I have a funny way of looking at their tardiness…”if we get there, we’re on time!!” LOVE it❣️
Oh my, it’s been a long time since we did the Denver to Glenwood Springs trip…..this column reminded us of what a lovely journey we’ve been missing. I’m dying to take the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive now…so perhaps in another life….
Right there with you. Every word a vivid picture with the sounds and that hypnotic motion only a train can make. Those train people know whereof they speak. Life moves slower and has a different flavor. (It used to be coal dust, but now it's the taste of diesel.) For the duration you're suspended in time, sort of like the Twilight Zone. Isn't it interesting there's no TV on trains! A perfect excuse to stare and think of nothing. How often does that happen!
A favorite family memory of ours is taking our two young boys from Montgomery to Birmingham via Amtrak over the Thanksgiving holiday in 1996. They knew every Thomas the Tank Engine story yet had never ridden in a full size train. Their eyes and ears fully took in every sight and sound. We spent the night at a Birmingham hotel with a pool and enjoyed the return trip the following day. The seats were so spacious, and we were about the only travelers that day. Far from our families this trip was a holiday highlight we have never forgotten.
My dear friend you truly know how to take me away to so many places it’s like as I was there enjoying the journey it’s amazing thank you so much for sharing again an amazing wonderful story and keep them coming as I said before I’ll keep on reading them my dear friend 🙏
Couple er comments Pone. First of all, like I said, I heared Dat train a comin! Missed da column da other day about PA but I think you and Der Amish buggie couple had a simple misunderstanding. Dat "1 finger salute" is a friendly greeting in Alabama! What are dey scowling about? About da train- when I was in high school (8th grade) I went on a school trip to Europe. We took a sleeper car from Paris to Switzerland. There were 4 of us in 2 bunks. In da middle of da night one of da more adventurous guys snuck his girlfriend into top bunk where dey proceeded to "Make Whoopie!" The other 3 of us pretending to sleep like babies while gettin a lesson on birds and bees. " If you feel da train a rockin', a rockin round da bend..." you gets ma drift Pone. TRUT STORY!
Preaching to the choir again. We too love Amtrak. Before that (I’m older), we lived in Birmingham, and my mom’s family lived in Atlanta, and there were no interstates yet, so the real Crescent ran back then, under the auspices of Southern Railroad. When I was in high school, word went out that Southern would be sold, and the Crescent would end, and I convinced my friend at the time, to buy a round trip ticket to Atlanta and back for the final runs.
My sister, getting married for the second time to the same guy in Houston, we reserved two sleepers on Amtrak. 9/11 happened, and Amtrak management made a shrewd decision. Y’all may remember, that with the threat having been from the air, all flights were banned for a time in the US, and planes in flight on that day had to land at the nearest airport. There were many thousands of travelers stranded away from their destination. Amtrak made the decision to honor all valid flight tickets for train travel. We were fortunate on 9/13 to have the sleeper reservations, because there was standing room only in the coach sections.
We have twice taken Amtrak’s Auto Train, which runs daily between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida - two trains - each depart the respective terminus at 1600 after loading all the cars and motorcycles - pass in the night, and arrive at the other respective terminus at 1000. All the vehicles are unloaded, and folks well rested, continue their trip. The first time we took it, we had our Prius, and went down to see the final shuttle flight poised on the launch pad, and then continued on to Key West, and back by way of the Everglades Nat’l Park.
The second time, my wife and I took a motorcycle, and rode down to Key West for Thanksgiving several years ago.
And then there were my mother’s funeral, and ten years later, my father’s funeral, both in Savannah, served by Amtrak.
Lovely way to travel.
Yes, Joesmo3. I agree, and lovely is precisely the right word to describe the air-ride, easy-swaying motion of Amtrak. A good way unwind; and leave the driving to them. 😉
Amtrak is a quiet way to travel, as well as relaxing. A good time to reflect/meditate/regroup. Ahhhhh.
I’ve taken the Auto Train many times. I’ve decided coach is better than the sleeper when traveling as a couple. That top bunk is a killer!
I love going through small towns. I wave to people all the time!
Did you try Key lime pie?
Well, for those who know, that goes without saying. The reality, is that true keylime pie is a thing of the past. It was a favorite of my mother, and as a child, our family traveled to the Keys on summer vacation - that was the early 60’s, and keylime pie was getting scarce even then.
Yes, nice thought.
You drove over the old bridges! Trucker's had to tuck in their rearview mirrors in order to clear on coming traffic. Henry Flagler built the railroad to Key West. Like the Panama canal, the workers used hand tools and wheel barrows.
BINGO ! Yes, I was so fascinated as a child spotting places where the rails were still there, and that the road engineers took the road over the top of the Bahia Honda bridge. Amazing history, and the cost of ignorance (of the weather, at the time). Many a dream had me on that train to Key West. Another big surprise, was the acrobatic training program on Key West - who knew ? And all the cats at Ernest Hemingway’s house.
Yassir Joesmoe3! Good urn!
Pu
Thanks for the train ride I’ve never been on.
Me, too! On my bucket list!
I’m looking forward to heading south to Sarasota in the next few weeks & I’ll be going by way of the Amtrak auto train!🚊
I’ll drive from Philly to Lorton Va & my car will go right on the train ~ I reserve a sleeper car complete with a full bathroom,
shower & all. Dinner in the dining car w/ white tablecloths, glass or 2 of wine & fun conversations with total strangers.
My room will have been converted to a bedroom & the bed all made up while I’m at dinner.
It’s fun to wake up, click on the weather app & it tells me what state & city I’m in. I did this last Christmas & all the homes that were decorated
we’re so pretty & waving to the people as we slowed down now & then was incredible ~ it was a bit like the polar express!!
17 hours later we are in Sanford Florida! My car rolls off & I’m going to find a WAFFLE 🧇 HOUSE for breakfast on my way to my destination!!
This will be my 6th time going this way & it’s delightful. I have found the people that work on the trains are very accommodating
& genuinely nice folks!
Continue having fun Sean & meeting lots of great people…it’s the best!!❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️
Polar Express…..love it! Sounds fun to do at Christmas! I think the Waffle House will be your first? Enjoy!
I was like a little kid again watching out my large window with all the homes that many are close to the tracks.
Families were sitting on their porches at all hours, enjoying cocktails in the middle of the nite…it blew me away
as I’d never experienced anything like it before. I kept my cabin light on so they could see me waving back!
It’s a fun easy way to travel the east coast.
I drove last summer down to Florida & the truckers were great…some were cowboys but it was people driving
like total lunatics that has me back on the train!
YES…Waffle House visit will be my 1st….cant wait!!
Need to find one in between Sanford & Sarasota ~ any suggestions?? 🥰
My parents loved St Augustine & I tried to go last year when I drove down but I-95 was shut down due to a terrible accident w/ 2 people
losing their lives…just so sad. I ended up staying the night in Savannah which was a blessing as I found a great boutique hotel w/ 1 room left as I was parked in front of the hotel…a total “Godwink”. Had a yummy dinner & walked the shopping area that brought back great memories from when hubby was still alive….bittersweet.
Look forward to hopefully a fun breakfast w/ you!!!
I’m in North Florida….quite a few here….will have to check that area you are going. I would love to do the Christmas ride you took!
If I feel brave, i might drive back to Pa early April as I want to stop & visit St Augustine for a day or 2
& onto Hilton Head as I have friends there & love the island!
If I do drive back, maybe meet at a Waffle 🧇 House for breakfast!!
Oh for sure see St Augustine…..one of my very favorite places to visit! Let me know if you get in that area….would love to share conversation with you at the Waffle House!
I need to consider the auto train on my trip south. I honestly didn't know about it. Sounds lovely. I was going to drive but why bother ...go by Amtrak with car on board!!
It’s an easy ride to Va & usually on time getting into Sanford. Dinner is very good & breakfast is very bad!!
I highly recommend spending the $$$ & getting the room/bath.
The “roomette “ is tiny & you use the hall bathrooms…🫣
So Marylin, you can only leave from VA? I'm in NC but have Amtrack in my town.
I need to study up on this!
Thanks.
Do go online Vicki ~ auto train has only 1 route …Lorton Va to Sanford Florida. There are no stops.
This is not a normal train. There are as many as 20+ train cars attached hauling all our cars!!
Looked it up & it really looks & sounds wonderful. I'm a long way from DC. I'm half way from there to Sanford, Fl actually. So as much as I would want to do this I can forget about it. That's sad. Wish they had one out of Charlotte or at least Raleigh. I appreciate your encouragement though. Since I'm planning this trip alone it would have been perfect.
Another alternative that many of my neighbors do if you don’t want to do the drive. There are companies that will pick your car up & load on a trailer to take down & deliver to the address of your choice!
Toot toot Marilyn. You da Bomb!
Yo PEB
Ha Ha Pu…thanks honey!! 💕
I love the dream-like, floaty feeling of Amtrak's air-ride. It IS so laid back and cozy-comfortable and RELAXING! You haven't lived unless you've ridden it. I highly recommend it at least once.👍
Also, be sure to get, from the snack car, the combo wine, cheese and crackers kit. It makes the whole experience a real TREAT!!
Great writing, as usual, Sean! We're with you on your train ride. The most memorable train rides I've taken have been overseas. One very memorable one was between Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey, the most well-known city in the country and the capitol. It was an overnight one with lots of stops, so the sleep was interrupted, but the service, especially the tea cart that came around regularly, was superb. Another great one was in Thailand, from Bangkok to the northern part of the country where two of my friends and I traveled into the inner country and saw many indigenous peoples living their lives. Ah, the toot of the train whistle and the rocking motion of the train. Haven't been on one in years, but yes, they let you see the countryside at ground level. Enjoy your train rides, Sean.
In 1962 I boarded the Burlington Northern train in Chicago for a trip to the World’s Fair in Seattle, Washington. To this day I can’t tell you anything about the fair itself. But I can remember everyday’s adventure on the train. I loved it. We took the northern route which meant we traveled through South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, & finally arrived in Washington. It was a dream come true. We didn’t have a sleeper cabin for the four of us but the reclining seats were great. Trying to get back & forth between cars was tricky for my 9 yr. old self. Eating in the dining car was special & I remember my parents being so proud we never spilled our food or drink. My brother & I ran up & down the stairs up to the domed observation seats & the view seemed to go on forever.
Thanks Sean for those memories of 62 years ago. I can still feel the train rumbling back & forth. I think I just heard that ole train whistle calling me to those clakety tracks again! 🚂
Jan, I’ll bet the scenery out your window was spectacular!!
Love the story!!
I sure wish there were a lot more trains available in our country! I’d pick them over air travel every time.
Growing up in rural South Dakota, our house was parked half a block away from a train track. At the time, the trains (either the Milwaukee Road or BNSF) carried passengers and/or freight. The the trill of the whistles and the clack of the wheels on the tracks became music to my ears, often lulling me to sleep. I do so miss that musical noise. Thank you, Sean, for reminding me of the beauty of trains. I am going to check to see if there is one going from Texas to Kansas, where some of my grandchildren live.
There are! You may have to make connecting rides by Bus or Taxi, etc., included as part of your ticket. They didn't have that at Christmastime in Arizona though, so my son had to drive 3 hours both ways for the balance of my trip from Flagstaff to the Phoenix area. My son says that after an accident a few years ago, they discontinued that run.
As Susie S says above, the Amtrak Super Chief is an outstanding ride. Much more room than on a train, and in Coach, your seat even has adjustable leg rests and the seat lays back, not disturbing the seat behind you. The seat in front of you doesn't even move your table. You can walk around, go to the Observation Car, also with tables for cards, games or eating. An all around delightful experience.
Thanks, Bruce! I did check and there is one that leaves directly from Temple, TX, which is only 15 minutes from me. It goes to Kansas City and my son will have to drive from Lawrence to get me. You mean they don't have one that goes directly to Phoenix? That is quite unbelievable!
With all the Tracks in the Phoenix area there probably is one, but it also probably starts from somewhere down in Texas. Which would probably require me to go East 1st from Dodge City, change trains by Bus to Wichita, then by Train to somewhere deep into Texas, and changing Trains again for Phoenix.
BTW, I have a Cousin, who lives in Temple now, originally from Bakersfield, Calif., but his 9 kids and grandkids all are in Texas. He is a Retired Bird Colonel Army Nurse. ADDENDUM: He was actually Born in Copeland, Kansas, about 25 miles from here, and they moved to Bakersfield later, after his little sister was a few years older.
Wow! It IS a small world! :-)
If you go overseas you'll ride trains a lot. One of the main modes of transportation. I've been to Naples Italy 6 times. In 1980 you could ride first class round trip to Rome for $14. We went there a lot. Always something happening on the train, too. Always a story to tell. All kinds of food for sale, even wine. Big fun for sailors looking to escape the crowd.
I asked, "Willl we be on time?" He said, "Lady, if we get there, we're on time."
I’m so glad you wrote this, Beth! Trains were/are notoriously late. Now I have a funny way of looking at their tardiness…”if we get there, we’re on time!!” LOVE it❣️
Always helps to shift perspectives!
Oh my, it’s been a long time since we did the Denver to Glenwood Springs trip…..this column reminded us of what a lovely journey we’ve been missing. I’m dying to take the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive now…so perhaps in another life….
Right there with you. Every word a vivid picture with the sounds and that hypnotic motion only a train can make. Those train people know whereof they speak. Life moves slower and has a different flavor. (It used to be coal dust, but now it's the taste of diesel.) For the duration you're suspended in time, sort of like the Twilight Zone. Isn't it interesting there's no TV on trains! A perfect excuse to stare and think of nothing. How often does that happen!
Hypnotic motion only a train can make….I hear it! No TV……nice not to hear!
A favorite family memory of ours is taking our two young boys from Montgomery to Birmingham via Amtrak over the Thanksgiving holiday in 1996. They knew every Thomas the Tank Engine story yet had never ridden in a full size train. Their eyes and ears fully took in every sight and sound. We spent the night at a Birmingham hotel with a pool and enjoyed the return trip the following day. The seats were so spacious, and we were about the only travelers that day. Far from our families this trip was a holiday highlight we have never forgotten.
My dear friend you truly know how to take me away to so many places it’s like as I was there enjoying the journey it’s amazing thank you so much for sharing again an amazing wonderful story and keep them coming as I said before I’ll keep on reading them my dear friend 🙏
❤️💕
Couple er comments Pone. First of all, like I said, I heared Dat train a comin! Missed da column da other day about PA but I think you and Der Amish buggie couple had a simple misunderstanding. Dat "1 finger salute" is a friendly greeting in Alabama! What are dey scowling about? About da train- when I was in high school (8th grade) I went on a school trip to Europe. We took a sleeper car from Paris to Switzerland. There were 4 of us in 2 bunks. In da middle of da night one of da more adventurous guys snuck his girlfriend into top bunk where dey proceeded to "Make Whoopie!" The other 3 of us pretending to sleep like babies while gettin a lesson on birds and bees. " If you feel da train a rockin', a rockin round da bend..." you gets ma drift Pone. TRUT STORY!
YOR CONDUCTOR,
PUBERT Earle