Woke up before the sun to get ready to ride the bus to Chicago. My dad gave me a ride to the bus stop in Madison. After some time waiting in the freezing cold, the bus arrived and took 20 minutes to board. Even so, once we got going, we made good time, and I've arrived at Union Station.
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| Sunrise from the Bus |
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| Crossroads in Rockford, Illinois |
Once downtown, I walk over to a grocery store and grab some grub for the trip. Meat, peanut butter and honeycrisp apples. From there, I decide to have a hot steak fajita bowl from Chipotle, braving the recent bacterial scare. So far, so good.
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| Leaving the Station |
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| Xmas Eve Sunset |
Just arrived in Galesburg, IL.
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| Crossing the Mississippi |
Had myself a quick dinner in the observation car. Saw some Amish appearing people eating candy and soda (doesn't seem traditional?), another man eating a bucket of rice as if it were from Kentucky fried chicken, and people paying big bucks to dine on the Amtrak special steak. Now arriving in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
This seat is getting uncomfortable. I'm watching the movie Gravity. I suppose my trip is much more comfortable in comparison to hurtling through space.
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| Xmas Present from Mom |
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| Putting Train Travel in Perspective |
Sitting next to a friendly mom knitting with her kids across the way. They are on their way to Colorado to go skiing. She has offered me dried peas and later a Dixie cup of Bailey's. Also made sure I wasn't allergic to nuts before she ate them.
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| Getting Closer, State by State |
Passed through:
"Osceola [Iowa] was named after a Seminole Indian leader of the same name. Osceola is an anglicised form of Asiyahola; assi, from a ceremonial yaupon holly tea or "black drink" and yaholi, the name of a Creek god intoned when the drink was served" (Wikipedia).
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| Route Overview |
Nearing Nebraska, departing Creston, IA.
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| Creston Crusted with Snow |
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| Dreaming of the Destination |
Still in the Midwest. Train travel feels like escaping molasses. I'm hanging out in the viewing car, less occupied and cooler. Too warm and constricted, but kinda cozy, in the coach seats. This swiveling seat is kinda annoying, though I'm betting it makes for better scenery viewing when it's not pitch black out.
Winding down for the night. They're gonna stop the PA announcements. Had to step over my sleeping seatmate. Arriving in Omaha in half an hour. I'm surprised how nice the chairs recline, much farther than any airline. The sound of the whistle blowing in the night reminds me of when I lived in Columbus, WI near an Amtrak station. It's a nostalgic moment. Hopefully I can drift peacefully off to sleep soon.
Managed some sleep, but not that comfortably. Lower back strain. Ugh. I also imagine it'd be easier without a stranger inches away from you.
Currently in Denver. My seatmate is leaving, but I'm told 150 people are boarding and it'll be full again. :/
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