Superseded by advances in technology and railroad management, the noble caboose no longer rides the rails in the United States. Southern Pacific #1886, shown here, has not only been saved from the scrappers by the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, who have spruced her up to like-new condition inside and out from the wheels to the chimney.
Riding past this, I added the museum to my bucket list.
Car 33, Room A, aboard the Southwest Chief, boarding at Chicago Union Station. Welcome to my favorite vacation spot.
You can have your beaches. You can have your spas. My idea of total relaxation and rejuvenation is a weekend – or a week – in a private sleeper aboard a long-distance train across America.
Amtrak is my happy place.
First fresh air stop of the day on the Eastbound Empire Builder.
Early. Brisk. And beautiful. Is it Montana, or is it the Alps?
Yes.
Was it a box dinner? Yes – we didn’t have a dining car on the Empire Builder out of Portland until we hooked up with the #8 in Spokane at midnight.
Was it awful? NO! It was phenomenal!
Another score for Amtrak: consistently better food onboard than in any business class menu on any airline I have ever flown.
Pasco, Washington – last stop before bedtime.
Hello, Portland.
Union Station here is a true jewel. Long may she stand.
Not only does this show up in your mailbox, you also read it AND find it engrossing.
Happy 20 Tevet. May the season bring you happiness, health, and peace.
A Bucket and a Pen 