Why I’ve Been Neglecting This Blog

Over the past several years, I’ve tried to post something here at least four times a week and have managed to meet that goal most of the time. But I haven’t come close for some time now, for which I apologize.

The reason – note that I don’t claim it as an excuse – is that I’m trying hard to finish up a careful review of a copy editor’s changes and corrections to the manuscript for the 3rd edition of my book, All Aboard – The Complete North American Train Travel Guide.

This is a preview look at the new cover, designed by the publisher, Chicago Review Press. It’s quite different from the cover on the first two editions and I like it!

In the book, I write about what I find fascinating in train travel and that makes it quite different from the usual rail guides. For example, there’s a chapter about how railroads began — the building of the transcontinental railways in both the U.S. and Canada — one on how a railroad operates, and another describing the job of the operating crews – engineers and conductors and all the on-board service people.

There’s also a lot about planning a train trip, what to expect when you’re traveling and some suggested rail itineraries for the U.S, Canada and Mexico.

Now, after all that shameless self-promotion, it’s back to the double-checking of the manuscript. I have just a half hour until the Red Sox game starts — because I have my priorities, after all — but will be back at it later this afternoon.