Crossing the border
After watching fellow passengers struggle with their documents prior to flying home. I was pleasantly at how simple and easy it is when crossing by land (train, bus, automobile, or on foot. Thirteen of us cleared customs in ten minutes and we were on our way. On the way, my iPhone chimed to remind me there was an Apple Event scheduled, so I dropped in via my iPhone. Unfortunately, Tim Cook did NOT talk me out of it as I had hoped, and my new iPad Pro M4, keyboard, and Apple Pencil are due to be delivered May 15. If anyone is interested, I can explain my rationale.
Welcome to Amtrak
The bus unloaded us at the Seattle Union Station, and we wandered in with no idea of where to go or where to wait. There was a long line marked for Coast Starlight coach passengers where they were weighing the luggage, but no indicated waiting area for sleeper passengers. Someone in the coach line apparently saw my confusion and directed me to an area with cushioned benches where I joined several others, waiting for the train to board. After what seemed a long wait there was an undecipherable announcement of the PA. Several of us put our heads together and figured out that one of the locomotives on our train had refused to “take the load” and there would be a delay while it was replaced. Twenty minutes later the doors were opened and loading began.
Revised memories
Many years ago I rode Amtrak to Chicago and recalled Amtrak roomettes as cramped uncomfortable spaces. Compared to Via Rail my roomette is a palace. Two regular twin bunks, reclining seats, a functional closet, pull up work table, large window to the hallway, accessible storage for larger luggage, all kinds of wall and ceiling lighting, legroom, all on the second story so you have a great view. The only amenity lacking is an en-suite toilet and shower. The toilets are at the end of the hall or downstairs with the showers. Valhalla! Only complaint the stair is very steep and hell on my knees, but I won’t need them that often.
The on-board crew is attentive, but more companionable than than chatty. The passengers are less gregarious, apparently more focused on the destination than the journey.
The first decent cup of coffee I have had on this trip, is available at any time from a freshly brewed pot of Starbucks in the hallway.
The rest of the day is spent crossing Washington and Oregon. Just after midnight we snore our way into California.
