Life from the Window of a Train

The countryside passing by…colorful wildflowers, lush trees, folks plowing farmland, fresh hay bailed, American flags flying on houses and mailboxes. The train continues down the track “clickety-clack, clickety-clack”, the rocking and the rhythm can lull you asleep. I stare at the tracks thinking back to the time they were laid, who were the men that came before me that worked in the heat and cold to build the railway? What fascinating stories the rail could tell if it had a voice. I imagine those that rode the train in its heyday, dressed to the nines, who were they? Did they have the same dreams and fears I have? “Choo-Choo” the horn blows at each railroad crossing. The train elicits an excitement in people as we pass. It never fails, the people wave, and I wave back and smile. It’s some kind of connection.

Oh how I hope riding the rails isn’t a thing of the past to be left to a bygone era. There are just some things that we were meant to save, that were meant to last. And this is one of them. One example of almost (I hope we’re not too late) losing not only a historical monument, but a functional and practical building is King Street Station in Seattle. It has been deteriorating for years. There once was a gorgeous crown molding ceiling in the lobby that at some point some idiot thought it would be “better” to cover it with a drop plaster board ceiling. As the years went by, the city continued to let it go, not recognizing what a gem it was. And now, finally, they have decided to restore it, which is wonderful. But why did they let it go in the first place? Was it that we moved on to bigger and better things? We got greedy with time and resources, and thinking that newer was better. Isn’t that where we are today? Isn’t that line of thinking what got us in the predicament we’re in today. Sometimes learning from the past and keeping things the same isn’t so bad. I’m afraid we’re going to do the same thing with our railroads if we’re not careful. We’re going to forget about them, and then it will be too late. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. With a little love and care our train system could be quite an ROI for American taxpayers. Have you ever noticed that things built “back in the day” were built to last and what’s funny, is a lot of times they do.

So here’s my shameless plug: If you get a chance consider riding the train instead of taking that flight or driving the car. I promise it will be an experience you won’t forget.

I remember as a child waiting to see the end of the train, it was the best part, it was the Caboose! I haven’t seen a Caboose in years. I hope the rest of the train doesn’t end up wherever the beloved Caboose is today. And the train pulls into the station. Right on time.

If you’re interested follow Amtrak Vacations @AmtrakVacations for vacation ideas or the Southern Pacific 4449 @sp4449 for the adventures of the historic steam engine locomotive.