My first seat mate, Jody is a small business owner who COMMUTES LA-Winslow every week for work. Her son runs her business in Winslow. We made a plan to kayak together upon my return! We had about a 40 minute stop in Albuquerque, NM. I took advantage and dashed to a nearby store for some produce. Since I traveled Coach, I would only have access to the snack bar, leaving a balanced diet out of the question for hours. Only those who take a sleeper eat in the dining car these days. I do recall train travel in the past where we could eat in the dining car. Perhaps the pandemic has interfered.
Photos after we departed Albuquerque:
We usually see the old insulators used on telephone poles only in antique stores anymore. However, all through New Mexico they are still being used.
Slept through Eastern Colorado and Kansas, waking to see Iowa and Illinois.
View from my window and a look at the lobby.
I took the opportunity to see Cloud Gate, a metal sculpture where one can stand close, snap a selfie with Chicago skylight. This architecture is also known as "The Bean".
From there I took an architectural river cruise. I learned so much about the buildings of Chicago !
I found Giordano's for some authentic pizza then made my way back to the Amtrak station. The travel from Chicago was by train to Milwaukee. From Milwaukee up to Marquette, MI was by bus. With just a handful of passengers, I could understand why Amtrak contracts a bus company. The rain was coming hard accompanied with lightning and I was a bit nervous, but I knew I was not in charge so I just slept! We had a one hour layover in the tiny town of Escanaba, MI where THREE passengers boarded another bus on to Marquette. Here is the "bus station"!
Unfortunately, just outside of Marquette, I smelled smoke on the bus. I jumped up from my seat and approached the driver, alerting him. He pulled over and demanded we all leave the bus. It was about 4:45AM and the day was not yet showing first light. He hollered for someone to call 911 while he grabbed the extinguisher and tried to douse the fire under the bus.
I called 911 and reported where we were and then said to the driver that I would be going across the street to the Holiday Inn. I phoned my friend, Elin to explain she wouldn't find me at the bus station and to fetch me at the hotel! Surreal!!
Sadly, Elin's family was packing up from their summer vacation at the family's property in the UP. I scarcely saw them, but her she is with her husband and three boys. She and I would have a girls trip for the next few days.
This interior picture is from another of the family's properties.
IWe drove all over the area and she introduced me to a quirky metal 37 acre drive through sculpture are called Lakenenland. Very interesting and inspiring to see the metal repurposed so beautifully!
She drove me to the Ore Docks that continue to be in operation! Check out the interesting history here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ore_dock
The next morning we packed up and secured the cabin for cold weather. We headed to the Mackinac area for two nights. This is where I walked in some ancestors steps a bit. Patrick McGulpin, my 6th grandfather is featured on the McGulpin Lighthouse walls - a place I never knew existed! I'm happy Elin is as keen as I about ancestral findings.
www.mcgulpinpoint.org
Period decor inside lighthouse:
View from the top of the lighthouse. (www.mcgulpinpoint.com)
She had a lovely Airstream set on a piece of family property that is just steps away from water, of course. The lot was equipped with electric for twinkle lights and the cleanest port-a-potty that gets personal contracted weekly service!
We had an early dinner in the beautiful garden at Legs Inn, a rustic 1900's Polish Restaurant with a Bloody Mary meant to be a meal!
Got to the Shipwreck Museum late in a afternoon, but I was able to catch enough to be moved by the sacrifices that the workers have taken over the hundreds of years of mining and sailing in this are. It was a somber visit to learn that the Edmund Fitzgerald was one of thousands of wreckages at the bottom of the lake.
We returned to her place, gathered up some adult beverages and stepped across the street to visit with some cousins. It was nice to sit and listen to family stories as I watched a storm come in over the lake.
After a two night stay at "The Straights" we packed in the car for a four hour drive to Middleville, near Grand Rapids. This is where the family home is located right on another lake.
"My" bedroom had a lovely view!
About the timeI had prepared for bed, Elin came downstairs announcing a tornado warning a mile away! I was treated to an amazing lightning show throughout the night. As Elin took me to the Amtrak in Grand Rapids we could see many downed limbs from the storm but luckily, the roads had been cleared. There just may have bee a tornado! The short trip from Grand Rapids to Chicago would not come without incident. About one hour from the Chicago station, we came to a long stop. About after an hour wait, we received an announcement that a draw bridge was stuck! Snack packages were distributed and busses were called out. However, about the time busses were to arrive, the bridge was able to drop and the train proceeded after sitting about 4 hours. As I had plenty of time before my train to DC, I was not bothered. I boarded the train at 6PM and was assigned a seatmate going to Ohio to see family. Daybreak from me in the Pittsburg area with a new seatmate making his way to Norfolk, VA. I realized that the train would be stopping in Rockville, MD and decided to depart there rather than DC as it was close to my son's house. Sean was right there to greet the train and we went directly to the house where my grandson, Jake was waiting.
Some of the scenery along the route through Pennsylvania and into Maryland:
Amusement Park??
My, how my grandson has grown two years - now 1 inch taller than me!
I had my friend Mary Julia pick me up and we ate a nice lunch in Silver Spring after scoping out where I needed to go to travel Monday by Metro or train...I could decide later.
The next day I helped Jake and Sean with some yard work. Can we say HOT? Stifling...
Sean had portioned a HUGE limb from his tree in the back yard and needed help moving debris. Hey, I had to earn my keep here!
Jake was anxious to get the job done in order to get his new baseball gear set up. Late afternoon my friend, Phyllis and I took a walk at Brookside Garden. Flowers there thrived in the damp weather and it was beautiful.
The next day would be Jake's 14th birthday. It was fairly quiet until the three of us were joined with Sean's friends Nina and her daughter, Marina. We celebrated and enjoyed a birthday dinner at Jake's favorite restaurant, Season 42.
About 6AM the next morning, I walked to the nearby bus stop, switched to the Metro to DC for the Amtrak to Philadelphia where Vicky would pick me up. As I waited, I saw a sign for Valley Forge. Vicky was a good sport when I asked if there were any plans -no? OK, let's go! We basically "windshielded" the visit to the park and decided we needed lunch. We ate in Phoenixville at, of all places, The Sedona Restaurant!
Philadelphia Amtrak was the most efficient I encountered. It's loaded with historical facts and beautiful.
Vicky introduced me to yet another whimsical location, The Barden Art Garden. I love how my friends find these out of the way and interesting locations!
Vicky with friend at the entry.
The next day we visited The Battle of Princeton area.
Vicky in the garden.
Sean and Jake picked me up at Vicky's place and we stopped to meet one of his friends for lunch New Hope. On the drive back to Silver Spring we encountered weather alerts for tornado warnings-again. We laid low a day at Sean's where I caught up on laundry and a quick trip to DC to see the WWI Monument and Planet Word, a museum I had never see. There is something for every age in this museum. Even though it is not a free Smithsonian, I highly recommend it!
Yes, even a toilet expression!
The next day Sean, Jake and I took off for Jetersville, VA where my cousin Jill lives. She has plenty of room and took us on for a night. Jake seemed to really enjoy seeing the area. There are nearby tobacco huts close by and the dark sky at night is particularly appealing. Jill fosters dogs and had two adorable pups that we going to their forever homes the day after our departure. She also keeps chickens (no roosters) so we were treated to fresh eggs.
It was so great to see one of my three cousins on this trip...only wish the other two lived along my route!
We managed to sneak in a quick visit to Appomattox, VA while in the area.
Sean was generous enough to drive me to my next stop, Blacksburg, VA where I would have a one day visit with friend, Robin.
She also lives on lovely farm property with chickens AND Carey Grant, her handsome rooster. As is the case with good lookin beings, Carey Grant sometimes acts more an ass than a rooster. He even responds to being called "asshole"!
Robin's property has a small Civil War Era graveyard.
I poked around a bit in it but free ranging Cary Grant was a bit too protective and I made my way to the house.
Robin took good care of me and drove two hours each way the next day to deliver me to the Lynchburg station so that I could continue into the South. Prior to saying farewell we sought out ice cream for dinner! I traveled in darkness, arriving about 8AM into Atlanta, GA where my Peace Corps "sister", Jenni would retrieve me. Atlanta has the most awkward station. Clearly, roads were developed after the station....scarcely any parking! After dropping my bags at her place, I would accompany Jenni to "work", We popped into a hotel pool where memberships encompass a variety of choices, some with a drink and lunch. It was refreshing and, yes she actually did work a bit! Later we checked out the Van Gogh exhibit with fellow returned PC volunteer, Tanoa followed by dinner at Carrol Street Cafe. This Cafe is located in the charming arts district.
The next morning I'd be New Orleans bound.
Typical "shotgun" house seen along tracks as I moved southbound.
Starting to see marshy and swampy areas as I move South.
Left about 8 and arrived 9PM and was happy to see a taxi at the station for my ride to The Quisby Hostel in the Garden District. This would be the third US hostel I've stayed in and I felt very comfortable. There was just one other in the room that had two bunk beds and it's own bathroom. I would recommend this well run, clean hostel. I have been to New Orleans twice and knew not to stick around in August. I was there just long enough to have another Peace Corps reunion. Mefore Ida came through with terrible .
Mark is studying to be a doctor and I was grateful he made time for an early visit for breakfast at Mother's Restaurant. He dropped me back at the station and I was off to Houston.
It would be my good fortune to leave New Orleans just days before Ida would leave the city devastated.....again.
Houston skyline as I arrived about 6PM.
And they say good sunsets are only in Arizona!
I was at the mercy of Amtrak's schedule which had resulted in short visits where I knew people and now in Houston I would stay 3 days. My Arizona friend, Val had put me in touch with a friend of hers who was so gracious to host me AND provide transportation out of Houston and back three days later! Admittedly, I had been running enough to feel good about a few down days. Marilyn has two cats to provide her with laughs and snuggles. As a retired science teacher, she could describe and show me the various ecosystems.
We visited Brazos Bend State Park the day of my departure. When Marilyn greeted me earlier in the week she said it was lucky she found the station. As she returned to drop me off, I could understand why. Absolutely no signage to this most non descript station in a big city!
The inside had more to offer with vintage posters.
I would travel over 30 hours from Houston to LA with one notable stop in El Paso.
THE BURRITO LADY AT THE STATION!
Traveling Coach does not give a person access to the dining car. There is a snack bar that provides hummus packaged with pretzels, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese as something "substantial". I was excited when I heard the announcement that the "Burrito Lady" would be present in El Paso! By this point in my trip, I'd consumed most of my food, leaving just one more pouch of tuna. I was, however reluctant to bust open this fishy package on the train...out of consideration.
Travel through the West:
The infamous wall.....
Tucson Station
LA Station
We arrived into LA just about dawn and I would have a four hour wait to connect with the train to San Diego, where I'd be greeted by my son in law, Aric in Old Town.
California dreamin'
With the California grands, Gabby and Grayson.
Caught up with Paula, an old friend from my days at the phone company on the beach. Paula has followed my escapades and been very supportive over the decades.
I thought at the time this train would be my last leg, but that would prove to be wrong. I arrived at my family's place on Monday, August 30th. I would again have a few days to recoup from travel then the family would pile into a van and drive to Las Vegas Friday. A huge surprise 70th birthday party was planned for my brother in law, Doug Saturday, September 4th. However, Doug came down with Covid and the announcement was delivered Tuesday, August 31st. It ends up the surprise was on the planners and attendees! Nevertheless, the van did travel to Las Vegas where my family had non refundable reservations.
Doug, who was vaccinated, got hit hard with the virus. My sister, Kay stayed downstairs while Doug remained upstairs. She had not tested positive and so could be his caregiver. Just as he was beginning to recover, Kay started showing symptoms. Sure enough, she did contract the virus as well! I know many families have similar stories as the virus makes it's ugly rounds again.
The Vegas to home link would become my adventure's greatest challenge. I booked one more transit through Amtrak....but wait! It was complicated. No passenger train services Vegas, but Amtrak provides a shuttle to Kingman. I had arranged a pickup in Williams from my new Grand Canyon friend, MJ. This is how Amtrak accommodated me. I picked up the train in Kingman and rode it to Flagstaff. Amtrak does not stop at the Williams station Eastbound. I then took another shuttle from Flagstaff Westbound-back to Williams! I arrived about 530AM and MJ picked me up for the car drive home to Star Valley...amazing!
A blanket of yellow wildflowers greeted me in Arizona.
I had traveled over 8000 miles, remained healthy and reconnected with so many I'd missed seeing the last few years. The train travel was $437 after the last train booking was added. What a bargain! I may do a similar trip in 2022! I had a lot of help along the way and can't thank friends and family enough for a most remarkable month long vacation! I'd love to provide exemplary hospitality to match that which I received.
Thank you to friends Val, Marie, Bob, Elin, Vicky, Mary Julia, Phyllis, Donna, Robin, Jenni, Tanoa, Mark, Marilyn and MJ for a magical memory. Much love and appreciation to family Sean (Nina and Marina), Jake, Jill, Rachel, Aric, Gabriella, Grayson, Kay, Doug, and Megan. The ending was unexpected, but hey that's what an adventure is!
*****JUST A FEW IN CLUSTERS*****
Graffiti across America:
Saw many plants across America such as this: 
As one might imagine, there are many scenes like this along the tracks.
