Stop the World I Want to Get On

Once every three decades or so my brother has an idea that's absolutely genius. A few months ago he and I were discussing a trip to NY this summer and he said "you should take the train". Of course I should take the train, why didn't I think of that! I can literally step out my door, walk three blocks to the Amtrak Station and in three and a half days be on the other side of the country. Upon doing some research I found not only does an Amtrak journey give me a fantastic opportunity to see the country in the springtime, their are National Park Service guide tours along part of the route, movies in the lounge car and three full meals a day. The train routes even have names - California Zephyr and Lakeshore Limited. Of course flying would be three times cheaper and ten times faster but I love the idea of going not just point a to point b but hitting every point in between. It's not quite as grand as hopping the freight train, but there's something freeing about knowing you could get off anywhere - McCook, NE or Chicago, IL or Erie, PA or New York, NY. It sounds so relaxing nothing to do all day but watch the countryside, read a book, track my progress on a map and wander over to the dining car when it's time to eat. Today my tickets showed up in my mailbox and I can't wait to start the journey.