If You're Not In A Hurry, Travel By Amtrak

Train travel isn't for everyone. It's relatively slow. Maybe even more so than driving. Conditions are a bit cramped and overcrowded. You can alleviate that somewhat by getting a Roomette, and by hanging out in the Lounge Car. On the plus side, you can bring whatever snacks and beverages you want, since nobody inspects your luggage: and you can bring your boxed up bike for an extra $15. During the day, you're likely to have a great view. Delays are quite common because they rent space on the tracks they use, and carry a lower priority than the freight traffic. So you spend alot of time stopped on sidetracks waiting for freights to go by. It's an imperfect system, but train travel still has a certain romantic appeal.

Angela and I started our journey out west at the Historic Union Station in Kansas City, which has been beautifully restored. This big clock was in view of all the arrival and departure gates, and people used to arrange to "meet under the clock" at a certain time.

I'm thrilled to not have to dismantle the bike for shipment. Just lower the seat, turn the handle bars, take off the pedals; and roll it into the big box.

Two bikes in boxes, taped shut and ready to be bounced around in the baggage car.

You meet the most interesting people in the Dining Car. Have I told you about our Bike Trip?

Sights like this in New Mexico were common.

Or, like this along the California Coast.

Brother Eric's got to be the hardest working man in the blogosphere. If only we could get him an internet connection.