Our train was pulling 3 double-decker passenger cars as we pulled out of Chicago. The cars seem to be pretty filled up with passengers. Once we were well on our way trying to head out of Illinois territory, we rocked our way down the aisles to take a peek at the viewing car, which was 2 cars ahead of our car. This car has floor to ceiling windows and swivel seats and sort of couches. There are also tables with booths for eating, playing cards, or games. There isn't too much to see yet as we are still in boring old Illinois. We plan to make our way back to the viewing car for the swing bridge that we will cross tonight over the Mississippi River. Under the viewing car is a snack bar with tables on which to eat your wares. I didn't take any photos because we were all pretty much in awe of our situation. There was still plenty of time left on the train (41 hours!) to take pictures!
While we were sitting and talking back at our coach seats, an Amish couple walked past. There is an entire car that is mostly Amish. Their armpit stink is just over powering. We have had several experiences with Amish stench on this train trip. As they walked by, I could hardly get my breath because it smelled so bad. We visit the Amish settlements in Northern Indiana on occasion. Never have we noticed this kind of awful smell around the Amish! As I had my head turned to the window, an Amish man was making his way forward in our car, I got a whiff of the awful smell and pulled a face and turned to Mike. Mike smiled and said, "Guess who!" I wonder when they will be exiting the train. I hope they aren 't going to Los Angeles.
6:00 PM.....
My head is throbbing with a migraine headache, most likely due to little sleep from the anticipation of the trip last night and worrying if I had everything packed. I don't really want to take Excedrin Migraine at this point because it will keep me from sleeping tonight.
It occurred to me that my head hurt because we hadn't eaten dinner. We pulled another meal out of the bags. This time we had bean burritoes, chips and salsa, and apples. I was really starting to crave something hot. We would still try to eat breakfast out of our bag tomorrow before we started buying our meals in the dining car. We have estimated our meal in the dining car to be about 50-60 dollars for a hamburger meal for the four of us, so we have to hold out as long as possible.
Natalie and I lay our seats back and watch the pink and gold sunset with our eyes at half mast. There is a golden dark glow in the train as soft lights gently light the darkened cabin as the view from the windows turns black.
9:00 PM.....
We went to the viewing car, which has seats facing floor-to-ceiling windows and a few tables. Although it was completely dark we pressed our faces to the window and watched as we crossed the Mississippi. We crossed on the last swing bridge in existence. We saw a barge all lit up and poking its way under the bridge. We kept watching and saw a classic large size steam boat floating down the Mississippi. Interestingly, when we visited St. Louis and its Arch last spring, the Mississippi River seemed much narrower than I remembered it from when I was ten years old. However, this night it seemed more than a mile wide. It is hard to imagine trying to ferry a Conestoga wagon across this large body of water.
After this wonderful experience we all attempted to sleep. It really didn't work. The chairs became very uncomfortable, there were a lot of distracting noises, and the temperature of the train was hotter than we were used to at home. I had to remove my new furry sweatshirt that my mother-in-law had gifted me at Christmas. I couldn't stand to wear it because the train was so hot. Unfortunately, I didn't wash it before I wore it, so it left more navy blue fuzz than I could brush off my white shirt. It looked really strange, but equally strangely, I didn't care. This seemed more of an adventure where we would have to make do than a fashionable vacation where I color coordinated our family's clothing! (Yes, I do actually do that!) Of course, each person in my party asked over the next 40 hours what the blue stuff on my shirt was at least twice each! Sometime after midnight we finally all slept, but fitfully. We agreed that it was easier to sleep while the train was moving than when it was stopped. When we were stopped, people would get off and on, talking and bumping bags around. While the train was moving it was just rocking us back and forth. As the night wore on, we got used to the ghost trains speeding by us at high speeds in a blur of light and sound. Though we were half asleep, we saw Kansas City, Dodge City, and crossed into Colorado. And so ended the first day on the train.
What's up tomorrow?
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