My train trip last week to Olympia reminded me how much I enjoy train travel. There is something about the leisurely pace of not only getting from one place to another, but also watching life unfold outside my window.
My favorite time of day is the early morning. Especially in rural areas. As the heartland of all that is good about America awakens for a day of honest labor.
OK. I know I know that version is more Hallmark than reality. But there is a grain of truth in the vision. And I like to find it as often as I can.
So, here are my thoughts. Subject to a lot of revision.
My house preparation is far from done. Even after extending my stay to 9 December, I will need to return for the month of January. If all goes well, I will return to Mexico for trips to Oaxaca and Chiapas in February.
When Melaque starts heating up, I am considering heading north again to spend two months on Amtrak. With stops in cities where I have friends I have not seen recently.
On my next trip, I may even take a test run between Los Angeles and Salem to see how I like spending the night in one of Amtrak's sleeper rooms.
The down side is price. That two-day trip costs $200 more than a first class ticket on Alaska Airlines between Portland and Manzanillo.
We shall see. May is still months away. Knowing my recent mind moods, I may be off on another trip to Asia before the train thoughts solidify.
But this map is certainly filled with temptations.
