Of This and That …
My apologies: I have neglected this column. There was a time when I put up new posts here five and six times a week. The content ideas just kept coming and so did the words. If you’re a writer, there’s nothing like the feeling you get when the words and the phrases just come pouring out and they’re the right ones.
There are something like a half-million words in the English language and, if you can believe Norrie Orchard, the extraordinary teacher of English with whom I was blessed through all four years of high school, no two of those words have the same precise meaning.
I’m pleased to say that I still seem to be able to do it . . . that is, find the right word to convey a very precise meaning. However, I will admit that, start to finish, it’s taking longer. Of course, that’s pretty much true of just about everything else, too.
Finally, of possible interest to some of you, I’m finishing up work on a book that includes a number of stories about my train trips to interesting parts of the globe, plus stories of some funny interactions with some interesting people. It will be another few weeks, but I’ll let you know here as soon as it’s available.
I’m writing to ask for a little advice. My fiancee and I both have “take a train trip” in our bucket list. I was pleased to see this site, so I thought I’d lose the query here…
What would you recommend as a nice, scenic trip – starting in New Orleans to ??? We’d probably want the “full” bedroom with the bath (for her use only – I’m a veteran and don’t have so high need of privacy). And we’d be traveling round trip of course.
Chicago is a straight shot. 20 hours. But I have no idea of whether there’s anything nice to see on the way?
Any advice for a couple of “bucket list” first timers.
We want this to be Enjoyable !
Thanks !
Happy to help. I have responded directly to your email address with several questions.
Jim, my letter writing to Congressional members has also dropped off considerably of late. The main reason is that, in spite of it all, Amtrak seems to get worse and worse. The Contemporary dining thing is pretty much at the top. As for the survival of service itself it seems that Congressional staff from Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico along the SW Chief Route as well as those from Montana along the Empire Builder have accomplished the most and have spoken up the loudest. Senator Moran really puts his muscle where his mouth is.
My only hope is that individuals like these will help. Also in the event that LD trains suffer more and more, that the reduced revenue will show that Amtrak itself and its management will finally be unveiled as Amtrak’s worst enemy- especially when the Corridors and Amtrak’s ROW suddenly become more expensive for each train operating there.
From what I hear, there are some bright spots … members of Congress who are beginning to see the potential of a true national passenger rail system. I credit Jim Mathews and Sean Jeans-Gail in the RPA Washington office for a calm, professional approach that has apparently moved some key members of Congress from closed to open minds.