Amtrak to San Diego 2013

Thursday, 2/28/13

Our weather in Seattle has been anything but stellar.

Dressed for theSeattle weather on the ferry and bike ride

I think we have had three -- okay, I'll give it four -- sunny days since sometime in early November. Those of us who live here often wonder why, but most, if not all, of us know we will not be leaving here. The weather is a trade off for all the beauty that surrounds us -- the mountains, the sound and ocean, the forests and wilderness; the wealth of activities available to us within a brief drive -- biking, hiking, backpacking, sailing, kayaking, skiing and snowshoeing to name a few; and the dearest of friends and family we have right here where we are. So here we will stay.

But leaving for San Diego in the morning rain, clouds and cold 38 degrees, was oh so pleasant! The thought of the destination that is.

A rainy and cold early morning trek to the Sounder station

I arrived in Seattle a little early so went for a tea at Starbucks.

I chose to not sit out here with my tea...

From inside dry Starbucks I could people watch through the rain drops

I walked across the skybridge to the Amtrak station to find it in remodeling mode meaning a long walk in the rain to the temporary entrance.

Temporary entrance during remodeling

 

Temporary waiting area

Our train station has been in need for some nice remodeling for a long time, so it is ok with us to be waiting in the baggage loading area.

The train was more than an hour late departing Seattle. Seems that one of the cars (Parlour Car, I hear) had a bad "wheel"(?) so they had to put on a new car. It was a bit of a long wait in the Baggage room, but I got to talk to a really great couple -- Eunice and Bill -- from Canada. They have been taking this train to Redding, CA for something like 28 years to visit a son or daughter or both. Eunice is now 89 years old with failing eyesight and in need of a (nice gnarly hand made) cane for mobility. She is as sharp as a tack, has lots of stories from her days growing up in England during the War, coming to Canada and traveling with four children and husband by train to many places. Talking with this couple made the hour wait a lot less painful!

Finally aboard and in my room and I could get settled in.

 

The usual welcoming gifts -- champagne, sparkling cider and toiletry bag

 

The attendant just came by to take lunch and dinner reservations, and I bask in what feels like first class treatment.

 

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