DIGESTING

It has been quite a while since my last post, sorry gang, or the four of you who actually read my blog. Thanks for your readership.

On May 17th I boarded Amtrak’s ZEPHYR train in route to California. The 2500 mile ride takes roughly 52 hours. It is never on time. It has to cover a lot of territory, journeying through many states and across the Rockies. I have taken this amazing trip before and also its sister train the Empire Builder, which travels to the northwest. The latter train terminates in Seattle while the Zephyr finishes just north of San Francisco.

I don’t take the train to go anywhere specifically, the train trip itself is my intended destination. I book a simple sleeping accommodation, the expensive fare includes meals, and then I settle back in the observation car. Once there, I look out the wide windows, for hours and days on end. I rarely speak with other passengers although they often approach me. I eves drop shamelessly, participating vicariously in the conversations and experiences of the other passengers.

Meals are communal, couples with other couples and singles like myself, are seated with other singles. Small talk generally leads to more involved conversations and some surprising confessions. There is safety in knowing that you will more than likely never see each other again, secrets are safe.

On my westward journey two weeks ago, storms had washed out the track in Colorado. We were rerouted into Nebraska and through stretches of countryside not usually seen by riders. On our approach to the Sierra Nevada mountains, a rock slide delayed us further. These events added 12 additional hours to the ride. I was probably the only person on the entire train, not to be upset. The more hours. the better, as far as I’m concerned. After two wonderful days spent in the Napa Valley’s vineyards, I made the reverse trip, heading east. We were only four hours late on that stretch, chump change.

Still a glutton for punishment, I then spent 8 hours riding Amtrak’s Sante Fe Chief, to Kansas City. The train would continue west to Los Angeles. That trip was mine to experience 3 years ago.

I saw so many amazing sights, ended up speaking with a few wonderful people, survived the crappy food on the trains and then made up for it by indulging myself in French food and sushi. Rich French food, butter and creme brulee, chilled gaspacho and several different pates. When I overdo it, I don’t cut corners. The various feasts resulted in some uncomfortable moments, putting it delicately. I needed more time to digest, not just savor, and digesting is what I’m doing now. The food, the sights and experiences.