One of the best trips of my life was by train Chicago-Seattle then Seattle all the way back to NY. It forever changed my perception of the country and its size and scale and beauty. The variety of travelers was amazing -- military, Amish, you name it. I did it of necessity but am very glad I did; now places like Minot, ND are real memories, not just dots on a map. I also once took the train from NY to Minneapolis to make sure I got there for a paid speaking engagement as planes were likely to be grounded due to bad weather.
You're a word artist, painting scenes as vivid as if rendered with a brush, chalk or pencil -- such as this precise prose picture: ". . . a man stood by the tracks in the woods with a walking stick and an open shirt. He was about 70. He gazed up at our windows. He had a look in his eyes that was either empty or contemplative."
What a wonderful read, Ted!
Thank you, Rolando! I'm always interested in potential intersection points between your outlook and mine, and this seems like one of those cases.
One of the best trips of my life was by train Chicago-Seattle then Seattle all the way back to NY. It forever changed my perception of the country and its size and scale and beauty. The variety of travelers was amazing -- military, Amish, you name it. I did it of necessity but am very glad I did; now places like Minot, ND are real memories, not just dots on a map. I also once took the train from NY to Minneapolis to make sure I got there for a paid speaking engagement as planes were likely to be grounded due to bad weather.
Thank you for this, Caitlin. I love the notion that the train can create a trail of real memories.
Such evocative, insightful observations.
You're a word artist, painting scenes as vivid as if rendered with a brush, chalk or pencil -- such as this precise prose picture: ". . . a man stood by the tracks in the woods with a walking stick and an open shirt. He was about 70. He gazed up at our windows. He had a look in his eyes that was either empty or contemplative."
Thank you so much -- so glad you're enjoying it and so happy you subscribed. These are fun to write and your appreciation is appreciated!
I think you and I have talked about this! I adore the Pennsylvanian.