Amtrak Diaries
Wow, humans are the most fascinating species of them all. Currently people watching in the “observatory train”. The windows line both sides and then curve up above your head so that you can stare at the scenery outside, but the inside is way more interesting.
I’m watching a game of poker between three individuals, all who’ve just met. A guy named Scott who is holding a mean hand and acts like a thug.
The quiet white guy whose been on the train since MONDAY!!!! and told me the story of the person that tried to kill himself by jumping in front of the train in Cleveland but the train was moving so slow at the moment it was able to stop in time. Oh, the party is growing. Blue Moon and Budweiser is the breakfast of choice. One man, the teacher, as he has been referred to, has enough gold in his grille I could have sold his chops for a private leer jet to and from my front door. From time to time the “proper” family walks thru this zone, that’s good for a giggle.
Word on the track is that Leslie Nelson, from Airplane and Naked Gun, is riding in the private cabin section. The gentleman next to me is sketching a cartoon version of his travels and it’s damn good. I’ve met a fire fighter, a young man from MT competing in the North Face Masters this weekend, a few little brats and guess who showed up – LISA! Yeah, my crazy girlfriend from Aspen that joined me in Europe last year! The coolest part about the train is that everyone is different yet so friendly. You look out for your homies on the train and get to know your neighbors. There’s always “the creepy one” who gets busted for being shady.
The worst part is that I have to clean the bathroom before I can use it. The best part is I have all access to my baggage. I’ve changed cloths, adjusted my bindings, and modified my boots all while traveling. You could bring an AK and a pound a weed on this trip and no one would ever know, or care.