A Safer Way to Travel

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© 2000 by Pudsmom

Everyone has their dream vacation, and I'm certainly no exception. After years of saying "Some Day" and "Just maybe when..." that Some Day finally arrived. BC gets to take the train.

Getting it all Together...

After finally getting word that our long awaited computer upgrade had been put off yet again, I finally finagled some time off. It took a lot of bargaining, pleading, and a few well intentioned threats, but I finally got the Boss to agree that I was well overdue for a little time off. So after weeks of searching and researching on the 'Net, I was ready to book my trip. Look out AMTRAK, here I come.

June 16, 1999

After working all night on the 15th, I eagerly escaped my own hotel and headed home to get ready for my adventure. Just a little bit of housework, a whole lot of laundry, and a hopefully a quick nap, and it would be vacation time. Well, as it came down to it, I got 2 out of three. Betcha can't guess which one I skipped? Hint: the laundry went in the suitcase, and I had to clean the suitcase.

Since the 16th is my friend Kevin's birthday and he was taking me to the station, we left a little early for lunch. Arriving at station about an hour before my scheduled departure, I checked in and settled down to wait. Even this early, there were plenty of people milling about. I would be boarding Train 92, the Northbound Silver Star. Running a few minutes late the Southbound Silver Meteor, was also due into the station at about the same time I was due to leave.

The Orlando AMTRAK station is owned and operated by CSX Railroad. It is a much older station, last renovated in the 1980's. The white stucco exterior unfortunately is faded and worn. But the station does have character. The old fashioned wooden bench seats are indeed reminiscent of an era gone by. As it got closer and closer to the trains arrival, the station got busier and busier. Unfortunately, Mother Nature also got less cooperative. Right on schedule, we got our usual afternoon thunderstorm. Many people stood outside under the protection of the overhang of the building awaiting the arrival of the trains. The first loud (and really close) clap of thunder sent nearly everyone scurrying inside the station. Just as the Meteor arrived, the skies opened up. Since the Meteor pulled onto the track furthest from the station, the passengers had to cross the Northbound tracks in the rain to board. Because of the passengers on the tracks, they had to hold the Star a few minutes out of town until it was safe to approach. Just as the train pulled into the station, the rain miraculously stopped and we were able to board with only a few drops of rain falling. Vacation time was finally here and I was more than ready to be on my way. ALL ABOARD!