Today I posted the following on Facebook. It was originally the response to Fabio's question to me regarding my decision not to fly. More than 120 people either liked it or commented on it and some of them even shared it with the people in their worlds. And I myself am quite taken with it as well. So much so that I want to store it here permanently.
A friend of mine likes to taunt me about my decision to travel by train instead of flying. This morning I answered him with the following. I liked it so much I thought I would share it with the group. I hope this stirs some memories for you.
I prefer to travel on the ground. There is so much more to see on the ground. You've seen one cloud you've seen them all.
I've seen things that can only be seen from a train. I've been in canyons and along rivers where the nearest road is 20 miles away.
I've been under mountains and skirted the edge of Puget Sound and the Great Salt Lake. I've followed the Colorado River for over 200 miles and been mooned by rafters on the river.
I've ridden across Lake Ponchartrain on a narrow trestle bridge at sunset.
I've seen deer, elk, bears, beavers, wild burros and wild horses, mountain goats, bison, and once, I think, a mountain lion. I've watched Eagles soar on mountain winds.
I've made friends and heard stories and shared my own.
I've woken up in the Nevada desert and gone to sleep high in the Rockies. I saw the lake where the Donner party became infamous.
I've ridden the route Lewis and Clark followed and seen the wheel ruts left behind by the pioneers on the Santa Fe trail.
I've spent time in gloriously elaborate historic rail stations in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Washington DC, Seattle, New Orleans and Chicago and will add Los Angeles to that list this June.
I wouldn't give up any of these memories just to get there faster... and be treated like cattle. On the train you are a guest. You are treated as a guest. The crew actually takes pride in the service they give. The food is excellent and it's included in the fare.
But the most compelling reason I travel by train is simply this: I love trains. Always have. Always will.
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