Carl's Blog

Today I started the first day of my train vacation across the northern United States. 

My sister dropped me off at Union Station in Dallas.  We said our goodbyes and well wishes; she and my niece headed off to see a Sunday children’s matinee and I went inside the building. There were very few people this Sunday afternoon, and I saw no one in the ticket booth, but a sign posted said my train was now boarding. So I grabbed my suitcase and followed the signs into the unknown. For my first experience I was a bit nervous, not seeing anyone had me wondering if I was headed the right way. A short walk underground and then up the last set of stairs labeled Amatrak had me at my destination. The ticket agent was there. My ticket was scanned and I was directed where to board. 

Following the advice of a friend that has traveled by train, I went looking for the observation car. 

I selected a table, which I later changed because I was facing the “wrong way” and I wanted to get a bit further from this very noisey eater. 

The train finally got started for the first stop on this 19 stop journey. Here are some pictures from along the way:

So first stop is Mineola, TX. Don’t worry I didn’t know it existed either, but a map gives a good reference 

 A mom traveling with 3 small children came to the observation deck to eat dinner. I couldn’t help but laugh a few times while listening to them. statements like, “stop tormenting your sister”, “sit down and finish your dinner.”… There was a young woman  who had been talking on the phone, she decided to try and find a quieter car. A group of elderly couples only shook their heads. 

Next stop Longview, TX. No pretty view from the train at this stop. Here is where you transfer to the bus to go to Shreveport, LA.

on to stop 3 – Marshall, Tx

Just went through some rain ☔ at 7:12pm, sadly was short lived. 

7:23pm at Marshall now. This is not a smoke break stop, do not get off the train… Hehe. 

on to stop 4..Texarkana 

I’ve seen some beautiful rivers and ponds but can’t get my camera ready fast enough. 

Guess you might be wondering how fast a train travels? The top speed has been 75mph but that is only on the longer open stretches. The train drops to 30ish mph when it’s approaching a city. 

Pulling into Texarkana now at 8:50pm it is too dark outside to take pictures. Right now,  I’m trying to decide if I want to get organized to sleep or get out the laptop for some late night gaming… the snack shop closes at 10pm so my access to coffee will end there too until 6AM.

on to stop 5..Hope, AR and this is my last comment before I publish. I don’t have a reliable Internet connection so playing games is an issue. Seems even offline games use the Internet for something.