Luggage Management

After practicing walking with our luggage: one small suitcase with wheels to pull, and one computer bag, one stuffed backpack, one small soft cool bag, one small purse all divided and wrapped around our arms and necks, we were ready to pose with the following caption: 'you, too, can lug your stuff without hassle, strain or mental illness,' and begin our train trip.

As I lifted the suitcase and saddled myself down with all the straps ready to board the first train out of Salt Lake, I knew we had lost our way. I decided to look for the role model that would actually fit the above caption. The woman who was stooping between the tracks picking up an unrolled yoga mat, dropping two or three carry-on bags and wishing she were an octopus was not the one we aspired to be like. We belonged in her category, already.

No, it took a few more minutes before a couple walked by after disembarking the train (mind you, it is 4:30 in the morning) They could have been walking off the train at noon. She was carrying a small computer case and he pulled a small suitcase. That's it. Of course, there may have been explanations for their display of exceptional maturity, fashion sense, and mental health. 1. their luggage was checked in 2. they were gone overnight 3. they had a second home somewhere that housed all their stuff

In Grand Junction our goal was to catch the train with less luggage, less, hassle, and more sanity.
We purchased a $29 rolling suitcase that included another rolling duffel bag. Everything was put into the new luggage - nothing with straps, nothing to fall off, nothing to bring us to our knees as we hopped from train, to depot, into rental car or taxi, and into the hotel room and back again.

At the Grand Junction station I walked up to the check-in counter ready to say goodbye to the two bigger roll away suitcases and just carry on the smaller duffel bag that included all our train supplies, i.e. books, knitting, snacks, water. Total weight 5 pounds.

No go, the agent informed me that there would be no check-in service to Granby, our next stop - we would have to lug our luggage, anyway -- that was OK, though, the Amtrak people are very helpful with lifting the two rolling suitcases and we had banished the straps around our necks and arms. Three pieces is better than five, or six, or seven.

So, now we are ready to show we are the tourists without a neck ache, backache, or even one frenzied nerve.

Doesn't Bob look cool, calm, and collected?