Posts tagged train
June 30, 2010 · Filed under Family, Foster · Tagged amtrack, train, trip, vacation
One of the joys of riding the train are the people you meet. Because we have a group of five you can’t eat with others or sit a viewing table. However we still got times to hang with others. Everyone minus Amelia were playing games and looking at the river. During that time everyone went to the bathroom and while they were gone I invited two others to join us
The attendant was walking through the car to find a spot for two kids to hang out. Seeing that they were alone I invited them into our family. They got on in St.Paul and were on their way to Lacrosse,WI to see their grandma. They were immediatly included in our family. When our kids got back they didn’t skip a beat. “Of course there will be more kids at our table.”
Once a foster family always a foster family I guess.
June 30, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, national parks, train, trip
Last nights sleep was much better. Thanks for praying that no one would fill up the seats next to us. We all got two seats to spread out on, except Samuel took the floor.
It was surreal waking up in MN and having our past come back. Most of the towns we went through had a story or friend that lives there. We passed within a mile of the hospital that A & E were born and half a mile from our first home that we purchased. Seeing the Mpls skyline was also a treat. We also passed through the UofM and saw the campus church that we had our first ministry position.
After getting through the layover in StPaul and back on track we experienced the Mississippi river like we have never before. The train runs right alongside the river which gives a great vantage point to view the wildlife (Elliot spotted three deer) and the vastness of the river. It always fun crossing the river into the Promise Land.
We took some time in the viewing car today to drink hot chocolate (I gave in and just bought them instead of begging for hot water) and played games. The national Parks have a guide in the car to point out historical and interesting facts so we also listened to him. Samuel completed the junior ranger book and got his very own badge. He says he wil give it to papa Bill.
We have only a few more stops left and we look forward to getting off and seeing the family.
June 29, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, lunch, train, trip, vacation
We had on the plans to do lunch on the train today. We didn’t think it wise to live on carmel corn, bubblegum and pop tarts the whole trip. So when the seating became open we sluggishly took our sugar filled bodies down two cars to eat. We slamed the five of us into the booth for four and took it all in.
People say that you need to eat on the train, because it is part of the experience. By experience they mean the kind of overcooked macaroni, hamburgers that were cooked(check that burnt) last night and reheated this morning and can you eat quicker so we can get more people in type of experience.
It really wasn’t that bad. My sandwhich was delightful and Amelia’s pizza looked great. We just know how to pick them. Now back to our beef jerky.
June 29, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, train, trip
Afternoons under the big sky means game time. We sauntered over to the viewing car to eat our carmel corn and play games. We stopped for a bit in Shelby, MT to change tracks and view a sleepy little town.
June 29, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, train, trip
For the last 3 hours I have been trying to get hot water for hot chocolate and Christy’s coffee. No luck. Classic “you can get it over there” responses from workers. Trip is going well beside it is near impossible to get ice or hot water. The two extremes of life and we are stuck with empty coffee cups and luck warm juice.
June 29, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, family, train, trip
well we woke up to the big sky. The lakes and mountains are so great. Didn’t sleep the best. Amelia crashed on two seats while Christy and Samuel took another pair. Elliot and I rustled all night and got up at first sun.
At the Spokane stop we got our seats with power and now are figuring out what movies to watch. Anything to drown out the couple behind us talking about the same thing over and over.
June 29, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, family, train, trip
Our Amtrak adventure is costing us $1050 for the tickets. Many have asked if we would be getting a sleeping car. Our response has always been it doesn’t pay to get a sleeping car. You could fly and get a car for cheaper. So we are going coach…or is that couch? Either way you don’t get this type of space or legroom on a plane.
Settling in for the night I am just thinking to myself that I could have paid more…but why. This gives you the experience and a good story. My story might change in the morning, but for now I am glad to be embracing the dark of the eastern washington sky on these tracks.
June 28, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, train, trip
We have taken the Everett to Leavenworth drive many times. This is a must see afternoon sunny drive for those from out of town. Experiencing it on the train is very different. Many times you are right in the middle of the forest and it seems like you can just reach out and touch the branches. There are other times when you feel like you are hovering over the river and about to fall in.
We are on the top level of the steamer which makes it feel like a much smoother ride. It was a bit rougher when we went down the steps to the bathrooms. Just found out the gentleman behind us are getting off in spocompton so we jockeyed the older kids back a few rows so we can pounce on. Those seats come 12am.
Samuel is already on his 18th different thing, which could make for a long trip
June 28, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged amtrak, train, trip, vacation
…and we do know when we will get back again. Feel free to come along with us. This is going to be fun.
June 28, 2010 · Filed under Family · Tagged train, trip
The kids are ready and loaded a few hours early. Got a load of clothes left and cleaning to be done then haeding to the train station. Going to be doing mobile updates on the road…um tracks.
