There’s something about getting on a train: Setting your luggage on the rack above you, settling into your window seat, hearing the report of a smoky whistle while setting off on an adventure to your chosen destination.
Whether traveling on a vacation, a weekend getaway with your lover/spouse, or a day trip to visit a friend, there is nothing as romantic or relaxing as going by rail.
The most recent railway trip we experienced stretched from Los Angeles to Flagstaff, Arizona, where a bus would take us on a day trip to the Grand Canyon. An exciting prospect.
What was particularly special about this train trip was we were leaving at nighttime. Dusk to be precise.
About 6:30 p.m. one summer’s evening, we entered Grand Central Station, tickets in hand. We headed toward the platform where our Amtrak train was parked, breathing heavily with fumes in the hot L.A. air. Rowdy children, aged couples, mothers with babies and strollers, lovers and all other manner of people climbed the steep steps to the formidable train, which was to depart sharply at 7 p.m., heading east.
We boarded the massive train, which came rigged with splendid look-out carriage compartments for viewing the landscape, as well as a fine dining car and a cafeteria.
A distant voice bellowed, “All aboard,” and we were headed inland and eastward across California.
We set off at a slow steady pace, trundling through the outer regions of Los Angeles, past the winding river that leads to the Pacific Ocean, past the older historic buildings of downtown. The train announced its presence to the world every hour or so, with long blasts of steamy noises as if to say “coming through, coming through.”
By 8 p.m. it was announced that dinner was being served in the dining car. We made our way, staggering back and forth along the corridors bouncing and banging this way and that. We arrived in what can only be described as a beautiful old-fashioned dining car.
Tables were replete with small lamps, expertly set silverware, wine glasses and perfectly twisted napkins in water glasses. Promises of a delicious dining experience soon were fulfilled. The waiters and waitress decked out in full uniforms exchanged pleasantries after dinner. We then made our way to the look-out car. The summer sun touched the edge of the horizon, reminding us night was drawing in.
Brandies in hand, we made our way back to oversized seats. Some travelers had arranged sleepers to lay down their heads for the long night. We decided to stay up and play cards. Later, as we drifted in and out of sleep, our journey pressed onward across the open plains past Needles, toward the high desert and Flagstaff, where we were to disembark at 5 in the morning. (The train would head onward without us, concluding its run in Albuquerque, New Mexico.)
By early morning light, a strong smell of coffee and baked goods wafted down the train corridors. We were grateful for a cup of steaming brew and hot croissants. The train came to an abrupt halt. Silence filled the carriages, as most passengers still with sleep or drowsily waking stirred, still half between night and the day. A stoplight ahead perhaps in play, as another train had the right of way and was speeding clackity clack down the tracks, wildly whooshing past our motionless train.
I glanced from the window to spy a single deer, stealthily, timidly yet confidently emerging from behind a tall thin tree to see about all the fuss. Wandering close to the tracks and seemingly bemused by our massive intrusion. Sunlight captured the back of his ears. Majestic to behold — such an unexpected joy and a bonus to an already rich and rewarding experience.
Then the train jaggedly and rudely started up once more, shifting into gear, at which point the deer, startled by the noise of churning wheels, scrambled back up the little hill from whence he came and disappeared into dawn’s early light.
Finally our destination, Flagstaff. We rolled into an old-fashioned station. The next leg of our journey was about to begin, leading to the Grand Canyon, one of the geographical wonders of the world.
Traveling! What a thrill. What a delight! Exploration, in small or big ways, is an integral part of who we are. Humans are curious by nature. Seeking new exciting intriguing experiences — with friends, family, solo or with a group of strangers — remains a worthy goal.
Exploring the unknown, while sometimes scary, can be exciting and sometimes life changing. Not to mention a great deal of fun. We are better for the experience.