Mission Accomplished

Home on the range at last. We were able to get our slow leak fixed and found our way back to I-80 (after heading south on State Street, which runs the length of Utah) almost to Las Vegas!

Stopped at the post office for our first welcome, no names or numbers needed for Lucy to deliver our box of junk mail. Next, the market, where I met up with 3 folks I knew -- 3 more than I ever ran into in Merced! This morning I went to the hospital for a bloodtest and the receptionist remembered my name.

As we are catching up, the heater is running, thunder is clapping, and cold rain is falling. We are glad to be home for awhile, but I think Bob is taking notes on another trip. I heard him mutter "Nova Scotia."

For those wondering, Bob only came close to being thrown from the train, but his blue shirt was not so lucky.

And, we thought we knew it all . . . .

Of course, Bob and I expected to learn a few tricks to ensure our train ride was as comfortable and enjoyable as posssible. We just did not expect that the learning curve would extend throughout the entire trip. Here are a few tidbits that we found useful and interesting:





1. Always check baggage: Even though our largest suitcase of the two we took weighed a mere 30 lbs. and the other 15 lbs., lugging those two up stairs and into compartments builds muscles. We even checked a small duffel bag and only carried on a small tote, even for night rides. Nothing over 50 lbs. are allowed - no way, no how - we saw people throwing stuff out of their suitcases to reach the under 50 lb. limit.





LESS IS BETTER . . . Take 1/4 of what you think you need. I cut ours in half and we could have been just as styling with half of that.



Unless you are into learning the art of folding clothes. I'd rather learn oragami.



And, now knowing that Bob was perfectly happy wearing his special blue shirt for the entire trip. (I just found a picture from our trip to Florida years ago wearing the same shirt.)





2. Women's Lounge/ Dressing Area: Biggest and best secret. The area is roomy and the toilets stay cleaner. Not all trains have this special area. Ask the conductor or attendant





3. Freight companies own the rails: Since the freight trains rule, Amtrak is obliged to move over and allow the freight trains to pass. So, depending on the freight schedules and delays Amtrak follows their orders.





4. Security is not a concern: There are no screenings. But, on the commuter run from Seattle to Portland, a law enforcement officer and a K-9 labrador walked the aisles. Coincidentally, as they passed our seats, I was reading an article in USA Today about security checks on that particular run.



5. The attendant's job is to attend: The conductor's job is to supervise and collect passenger tickets. If you reserve sleeping rooms, you are privileged to be welcomed on board by your attendant. He or she will ATTEND to all your needs, i.e. dinner reservations, water, coffee, newspaper, preparing the beds, and answering all your questions. They will also 'go get' whatever you want, including meals. The attendants also attend to cleaning toilets, dumping trash, and whatever attending needs to be done.



We did not ask for a demo of what the roomette had to offer, but on our last ride, PJ gave us one. It would have been helpful on night one, but we thought we knew it all . . . and, Charlie was very busy. These attendants tend to run a lot. Those with smiles, goodies, and a 'can do' attitude collect well-earned tips that supplement their 6 days on (that's 24 hours a day) and 8 days off wages.



6. Overnight train trips are not like home: If you want home, stay put, or travel in a recreational vehicle. The train's job is to get from one point to another sometime. Just like the track isn't always smooth, the amenities of train travel are a bit bumpy, too. Maybe that's just like home, too.



Although, we heard throughout our trip that the Canadian Railroad experience - not the expensive tour train - but the one for ordinary folks- was A+. Four star food, cloth tablecloths, candy, fruit, drinks available throughout the train, movies and games for the passengers, etc. The beds were just as narrow and the shower was down the hall for all sleepers.



7. Community Dining was a delight: If given a choice, I always choose to eat by myself or with people I know in a communal setting like a cafeteria. I've learned to change my ways. Seating meals on a train is always community seating. For every meal in the dining car we met other couples, and one single, to share conversation and break bread together.



Since most of train travel is quiet and alone with whoever you boarded with, the chance to be social comes with meals - or hanging out in the bar car. Bob and I found ourselves looking forward to eating time not only because the food was good - and it was, but wondering who we would meet and learn from for the next hour or so.



We didn't meet any grumps. Most were older couples visiting kids, taking an extended holiday, or just loved trains.



For example, during our last dinner on the train from Reno to Salt Lake we met a couple from Ohio. The man's father had worked for the railroad his entire life and John had literally been born on a train. He hated flying, loved train travel and could sleep like a baby while riding the tracks.



Their trip would end in 30 days, they only had a week or so left. Here's what they had done: Road the Canadian Railroad from Toronto, ON, to Vancouver, BC, hopped off and enjoyed an Alaskan cruise through the inland passage. Rented a car in Seattle and drove down the coast and over to Yosemite (they were very impressed). They were on their way to Vail, CO, for a few days and then getting back on the train for home. They had stories, we had stories, and so did everyone we sat across from.

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I asked Bob for some input on what he had learned on this 45 day trek:
"I learned that the railroad tracks need to be smoother."

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I also learned again that Bob is happiest when he is moving on down the road. My one big surprise of the trip was how he was able to keep his mojo on track. He is, too. I have always known that to say no to fun is a mistake and that belief has been reaffirmed one more time on the Train Ride of 2010 with Bobby.

The Last Ride

September 6, 2010, 4:45 p.m. Amtrak pulled out of the Reno Depot. Bob and I held on tight facing each other in our fifth and final roomette. Eleven hours later we heard the whistle blow as we arrived in Salt Lake City. Our attendant, PJ, knocked at our door and, knowing the drill, we were ready to disembark in a less than five minutes.

As I waited for our baggage, I saw a full parking lot - a good sign - no building site in the lot I had parked the Jeep - and with a big sigh of relief, the yellow nose of the Jeep came into sight.

I delivered the baggage to Bob and ran across the street, thinking positive thoughts, 'the engine will turn over, no problem, no flat tires, no dead battery.' My hopes were granted. After reving up the engine I swung out of the lot and across the street in front of the station to pick up Bob. With the help of our gps and no traffic but us and milk trucks on I-15, we were at the Holiday Inn Express in four minutes.

We love Holiday Inn - they welcomed us with an early morning arrival and for the cost of one night's stay we don't have to check out until Wednesday at noon or even 2 p.m.,if we wish.

At noon today, we woke up, even though our last ride on the train was the smoothest of the entire 5,000 miles we logged on Amtrak. Maybe we were too twitterpatted to sleep soundly.

One of the tires was a little low, so we set out to find air - I won't write the rest of the story now, but an hour later we had gone to the Chevron Station - air machine did not work and to Jiffy Lube - who aired us up and recommended Les Schwab for a free tire check - we rode around until we were very lost - finally found our hotel - now have Les Schwab in the gps and will rest some more before going out alone tomorrow to the tire store then hit the 'home' button on gps, even though we know the way.

Maybe we do need the added rest time (and Holiday Inn knew that) or maybe we are out of practice of using our own time wisely - for the last six weeks we have reported for duty according to someone else's schedule.

The Grattans of Carson City

Sylvia met us with open arms at the Reno Depot and we cruised to Carson City to bother Joe for a few days. Bob definitely got the blue ribbon on planning the last week of our trip - being with Cindi, family, and Sylvia made me very happy.

We did our usual - talk, eat, shop - how many times do I need to repeat those 3 words? I chose not to take pictures of us standing in line with our baskets full of bargains to give you the full effect.

We discussed our fixed-income status and the idea of visiting a museum or taking a hike were a few ideas that might keep our accounts balanced - but only if Marshalls or Tuesday Mornings close their doors for good.

Joe is feeling better and requested his favorite, "cheeseburger and fries," Bob got one too, so Joe wouldn't be eating alone, sure, while they watched baseball games on tv.

The Grattan's place has become our way station as we travel between California and Wyoming no matter what our route in between. In October we will be coming this way again - to pick up those bags I couldn't stuff into the suitcases, (I almost left the suitcases, too - but thought maybe we will need them in Salt Lake) and to check in with friends and have the best time ever.

Leaving California

Reno Train Station

The noon train departed on time and we were on our way to Reno. Our California visit was just what our hearts needed. Surrounded by family for a few days we lost our train sway of walking and our rattled bones were calmed for awhile. We were ready to rattle on the rails again.

Sacramento Train Depot

The gold in those foothills crinkle, they are thirsty and hard to find the beauty as the train climbs into the forests of the Sierra. Along the way out-side Sacramento, Roseville, and Auburn we see other towns, without names. Small tents, pieces of plastic, piles of bags, blankets draped over trees, and trash that got away by people who live between the track and I-80. In between the settlements are broken down sofas, mattresses, and other stuff no one wants.

Only a few others joined us on our ride to Reno. We looked forward to the half day trip, our two Trader Joe salads, and thankful that the loudspeaker was broken.

The view changes as we climb away into the mountains. On so many trips, too many to keep track of, Bob and I have followed the creep of the train coming or going across the Sierra and we always wanted ride between Sacramento and Reno just to speed through the snow tunnels.

Green is good, but I think traveling the Sacramento to Reno route would best be done in January - with a blizzard in the forecast.

Bob and I can smell home, 2 more departures, one more arrival. Will our Jeep be there?

A Camera Tip

I've been using my Sony Cyber-shot DSC - W170 every day shooting over 1,000 pictures in the last 35 days. It probably has been banged around more than most cameras in a short period of time. At Scott's last night as I was snapping away, the lens decided to go out, go in, go out and a message came up on the screen. "Turn off the power and turn power on" flashed. We followed the instructions, but no joy. No way would it take a picture.



With less than a week to go before we arrived home, somehow I had to get the camera fixed. What fun is a blog without photos?



The Internet has changed our lives. I googled Sony, my camera model, and found the page to troubleshoot. Guess what, others have had the same problem. I didn't have much hope that the printed solution would work, others had remarked that it had not, but I tried anyway.

The instructions were to bang the bottom of the camera, with the power on, pretty hard on a table top. Whoola! it worked. I'm back in focus.

Scott and Karen and Chester of Fair Oaks

Scott and Karen and their cat,
Chester, who is the boss, were the next stop for dinner. We love those homecooked meals created with fresh veggies from the garden. Karen made a delicious roasted chicken, and added steamed zucchini, corn on the cob, and tomatoes from the garden, topped off with her signature brownies. Soooo good! We are getting spoiled. Thank You!!

Since I don't get to see Karen and Scott very often, I want to know everything they are doing and going to do. Scott's work with the Water Resource Department, Flood Management Division, is very interesting and very necessary, especially in levee country.

Karen is feeling well and looking forward to a vacation in Lake Tahoe the end of September. She feels much better at higher altitudes. Karen is inspired to begin painting the interior of their house, maybe Scott will catch some of her energy?!

Chester became acquainted with Bob and let him stay for dinner. Chester has his own chair with rollers so he can be comfortable throughout the house.

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Since it was Scott's turn to cook Wednesday, they invited us to dinner again, and we gladly accepted - out to Danielle's Crepes, a favorite of ours that Scott and Karen introduced us to a year ago. We highly recommend it if you are in the Fair Oaks area.

We said, 'goodbye,' with plans to get together in the Fall.

Our visits with our families in Fair Oaks and Rocklin have given us a 'love' boost that will make getting on the train tomorrow easier.

Two more departures and arrivals!

Doing Lunch With An Air Force Buddy

Bob called his longtime Air Force buddy, Gene, who lives in nearby Gold Hills, to meet for lunch. Fifty-five years ago they served together at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. Gene gave Bob a tour of old Mather Air Force Base after lunch. They had lots to talk about while Brenda disappeared.

A Visit in Rocklin with the Holm's Family

Throughout our adventure, Bob and I have looked forward to jumping off the train in Sacramento (not the 5:30 a.m. part) to visit the Holm Family in Rocklin.

Luckily, we caught Kelly, Greg, Rachel, and Christian during their busy work and school schedules and had a whirlwind visit. Kelly and Greg have been very busy completing bathroom remodels that should be showcased on HGTV.

Rachel is a senior at Cal State, Bakersfield, and Christian a senior in high school, so this was a special treat to see the entire family!

Speaking of treats, Kelly's sweet homegrown tomatoes , Greg grilled-to-perfection steaks, and Rachel's to-die-for chocolate chip cookies were appreciated by two hungry travelers. I have to add that Christian was hard at work completing his homework.

It might be a mistake to feed us so well - our next extended trip may be akin to a progressive dinner party sharing meals with family and friends - sounds like a winner, for us!

Thank you for your hospitality and love, and a stash of warm cookies!