(Writer’s note: Many have been asking what my first journey via rail was like; an “Amtrak 30-day rail pass”. I told them to follow in my tracks as I publish what’s, at best, a rough draft of the journal I kept; posting it on this web site. You can view my journey/journal, starting with Part 1 by scrolling down. These writings are in the making, and I don’t know how many parts there will be! I’ll also be emending these ‘parts’ as I reread what I wrote; probably adding…! My notes are a bit scribbly. Roger)
All aboard and relax as I take you along on a virtual railroad trip aboard Amtrak‘s Superliner. I’ll let the Engineer do the driving and the Train Attendants serve my needs. I‘m going first class; a coach seat is way too uncomfortable for my bad back and legs; some times traveling for three days straight, with usually only short stops along the way; unless it‘s for refueling and/or pumping the holding tanks.
At my disposal are two nice navy blue seat facing each other–next to a large viewing window–that fold into a bed; a bunk above which can be lowered; head (nautical talk); sink; large viewing window; reading lights/berth lighting; small table that lifts up out of the wall and lowers down; trash receptacle; assortment of pamphlets showing the Superliner’s routes and safety instructions; sliding, locking door; matching navy blue curtains all around that can be slid open; PA; temp control, AND the “button“ that summons my attendant to ‘serve my needs‘! A shower is just down the hall.
Locomotive from my window.
One thing.. My berth was approximately 7’ x 4’ (not sure). I could sit on one facing seat and reach out and just about touch every wall; I didn’t have to get up to get anything! Note that I’m tall with a wide wingspan! It was sufficient lodging for me–one person. I’d guess two people would spend some time in the aisle as the other readied themselves for the day. I told Shirley, when explaining my quarters, that it was much-like trying to dress in a Corvette!
May I note: If you go by rail, request a coach seat or berth between the car’s axles; the ride is much better. Most of my accommodations were mid-car. Not all tracks are smooth and can be like riding on a boat. One time, bouncing from wall-to-wall, weaving down the aisle, I met an elderly couple trying to maintain at least an awkward balance. I commented to them, “The only thing that could be worse, is if we were wearing roller skates“! However, much of the rail is smooth; so smooth it felt like riding in a airliner. Log on here to see the various seating and sleeping arrangements: http://www.amtrak.com/media/train_tour/viewliner/viewliner.html.
I’ll be speed-railing through points to Delray Beach, Florida, to Kelly Lake’s Bill and Ruby O’Neil’s condo on the Intercoastal Waterway on southeast Florida’s coast; passing stops along the way including Chicago, Niagara Falls, New York City, Boston, Washington D.C. But first, (and I know they’re anxious to see themselves here on the web site) to the Kelly Lake O’Neils on the Intercoastal Waterway at Delray, just south of Miami and South Beach (you know, that ‘racy’ beach!)! Later I take you back to the start and guide you through approximately 11,000 miles of railway.
Hang on! Warp speed!
I’ve quantum leaped to the O’Neil’s, where they’ve lowered the gangplank and rolled out the red carpet for me. Bill and Ruby picked me up at the depot, and three days later returned me back to continue along my first railroad experience and adventure! After riding along through orange groves, palm trees, flatlands and water, I was anxious to settle in with old friends and see what there was to see at Delray Beach.
Well, things didn’t go quite as expected from the start. After that it was a pleasant and quite an enjoyable time with the O’Neils. The ’start’?! Days of the week were hard to keep track of for me; not to mention time. On the phone, I told Ruby I would be there at five o’clock, or so I thought I said. She understood me to say that night! Bill and Ruby went to the depot in plenty of time to greet me, but no me; I would arrive the following day. With communications corrected, they met me the following day to all of our relief.
We caught up on news; I was given a walk-about; went out to eat and enjoy libations and live entertainment at the Boston Bistro in Delray Beach (played team trivia contest with patrons; I think we took second place).
Bill and Ruby planned a big surprise for Bill’s mother, 98-year-old, Marge O’Neil. Marge lives in a condo a couple miles away. Upon arrival, Ruby told me to knock on Marge’s door and surprise her. I thought for a minute… Marge has macular degeneration–she sees silhouettes! Here I’d be, 6’5”, sporting a cane and a beard, looming in her doorway! We thought, “Better not!” Instead, Ruby and Bill knocked (I was behind a corner). Marge came to the door, and when told that they had an early birthday present (she’d be 98 the following week), she was curios. I stepped out, she didn’t recognize me until I talked and Ruby said it’s Roger Birr!
Marge, delighted, said, “Oh my gosh! Kelly Lake is here! What are you doing here? I thought I’d never see you down here! Wait until the girls in the lounge hear that Kelly Lake was here!” (I guess I was your representative and proxy!). Marge is unable to make the trip to their place at Kelly Lake anymore. What a grand time we had reminiscing about the “good old days’ on Kelly Lake, though, and a pleasure for me! It seemed like little had changed. Even Marge looked her youthful self.
Bill and Ruby, thanks for all the time and effort you spent to make my stay such a treat! I totally left all worries behind! And may I not forget, the new friend I made (your old friend), Dorothy! Energy, life of the party and fun to be around! I also had the opportunity to talk to an old high school friend, Leigh Bohne, in Tampa Florida. Leigh had invited me to spend some time visiting, but my itinerary didn’t take me near enough. Thanks, Leigh, for the offer!
Here are some pics from Delray Beach, Intercoastal Waterway, and the Kelly Lake O’Neils!
Ruby, me and Bill.
Bill and Ruby on their condo balcony having breakfast (Note: My plate is already empty!)
Me and Bill.
Dorthy and me; “Life of the party”, that Dorothy!
Our “Trivia Team” at the Boston Bistro!
Share on Facebook
General Posts | Roger Birr December 8, 2009 | 
Comments (1) 
