Searching for America – by train
Fort Mill resident R.J. Provost recently took a cross-country train trip and is sharing his experience in four installments. He is a licensed private investigator who is getting ready to retire and a U.S. Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division Military Police. For readers who may not be familiar with some aspects of his written dialect, he refers to it as “Appalachian-American.”
Part 4 of 4
Must have made good time across the desert last night. The porter’s wake up call came with a full, yeller moon and Sirius, the morning star, perched on top.
Wake up was at or about 4:30 a.m. and the porter had a big pot of fresh coffee waiting for us. Bless his heart and a $10 tip for his pocket.
Dressed and packed, ready as we pulled in the LA station about 5 a.m.
Long walk to the ticket counter, but it felt good to stretch. Guided to the waiting lounge, reserved for sleeper ticket passengers. Not used to first class amenities and sho nuff enjoyed it.
There were apples, oranges and bran muffins available. Disgustingly healthy but the coffee was decent.
Many fellow passengers were here. Some continuing north to Oregon and others south to San Diego.
About 6 a.m., we were loaded onto a cart and driven to the Pacific Surfliner. This is a day train with no sleeper or dining car.
Some reflections on this personal Odyssey:
▪ This was an almost coast to coast trip solely by train. We passed through 10 states, traveled a little over 2,771 miles and four time zones.
▪ Everyone I conversed with agreed that America looks much different from this perspective than from 30,000 feet.
▪ People are in to much of a hurry nowadays. It’s nice to slow down and take the time to talk with fellow travelers.
▪ Most of all, I was astounded by the sheer amount of rural, uninhabited land in every state we passed through.
Only about an hour on the Surfliner and arrival was made at Irvine, Calif. Within a few minutes, the son arrived and I was whisked to the comfort of his home and the giggling embrace of my grandson Chase. Great to see and hug wifey and the daughter in law.
Life is good.
This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 4:55 PM with the headline "Searching for America – by train."