After my last encounter flying (long, arduous, and leaving a distinct distaste for the TSA in my mouth) I was in no hurry to board a plane. So, our little family did something we’ve never done. We hopped a train! (I’m sounding decidedly Dr. Seuss-ish. Lack of sleep does that to a girl!)
Despite our train being 4 hours late (several freight trains broken down, one stroke, one emergency stop for appendicitis) I suspect we’d do this trip again. The views were lovely, the motion of the train was so soothing, and we really enjoyed being able to take the trip at a leisurely pace. However, with any new venture there is always a steep learning curve. Here’s what I’ve figured out for next time.
Surviving the Train:
- Dress in Layers. I figured a lightweight t-shirt and a cashmere sweater would do the trick. I was wrong. Sometime in the middle of the night, I found myself wishing I’d had just one more layer to throw over my face. There is a constant air-conditioning “breeze”. Great for clearing out the fug that comes along with travel. Not so great if you don’t enjoy air-conditioned breezes. However, both Boy Wonder and IZ found themselves very warm during the evening. I grabbed every layer they stripped off.
- Wear comfortable clothing. My upper layers were comfy, if lacking. But I wore jeans and while they were loose fit and easy on the thighs, they weren’t loose enough for such a long trip. No matter how much water you drink, or how oven you, uh, pee… you’re going to bloat. Something stretchy is your friend. Those people on the train are never going to see your bulgy backside ever again, so dispense with the vanity and find a pair of yoga pants to wear. Words on your ass are optional.
- Pack a blanket. The train service will include a pillow (We packed our own, tyvm!) but not any kind of covering. I think we’ve established that I run cold. Hense the need for a blanket. But I also discovered that I like to be covered to sleep. (Do not even read into that, all you psych majors!). Clearly, my new store needs to have a signature blanket. Hee. With monograms. Right?
- Bring a water bottle. But only one. Yes, you can purchase water on the train if you don’t want to carry it in. However, that can add up quickly. The train does provide a water filling station in nearly every car. So, bring a bottle and keep refilling.
- Drink the water you bring. I can’t stress this more. I didn’t realize just how little water I consumed on the train until a small panic attack on Sunday afternoon. We were in the park, I took a look at my ankles, noticed the excessive edema, and proceeded to panic. Dizzying black-outs and rapid breathing ensued. I don’t have real panic attacks all that often, but I know what they feel like. Which ironically means I don’t panic about them. I put my head down, did some deep breathing, pitched a few prayers heavenward for good measure, and then walked myself back to the hotel to get some much needed rest. Lots and lots of water later, my ankle bone (which was previously injured and part of the swelling is due to that) is beginning to emerge.
Consuming so much water has necessitated a walking tour of Disney’s bathrooms. Which could easily become the topic of my next post.
Oh, what a blast! I love the train. I wish they still punched tickets…
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Thanks, Katie! ~W
So fun! I’ve only done a very short jaunt from Milwaukee to Chicago but it was enough to make me hunger for a longer trip. I want to do Minneapolis to Seattle some day soon!
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Ooh… get a sleeper car if you go that far. There is something about being able to change your clothes and bathe! 😀 ~W
I love trains! I’ve never been on one as long as you did–so this is great advice. Water has saved my life on flights; I wasn’t drinking enough of it and felt like crap after I landed. (didn’t want to have to use the tiny plane bathroom, I guess!) By the way, THANKS for the card. It was beautiful, and fun to get a non-bill. Enjoy!!
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Oh, I’m glad the card got to you!! 😀 ~W
Sounds great. I’ve never done a long train trip. I’d love to though. Hope the rest of the trip was even better.
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We had a blast in Disneyland. We ran so hard, the first day here in Santa Barbara the boy and I slept in and hung out… we finally made it to the beach at 4 pm! 😀 ~W
I really enjoy taking the train as well. It just gets bothersome whenever you make plans based on arrival times because trains are always, always late. By an hour minimum. But if you get to ride a double-decker, it’s totally worth it for the view and lounge area.
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With this train, 4 hours late is considered EARLY. You’re absolutely right, and that should have probably been my first point! Never, never, never make plans around the arrival of a train. Build in a cushion. 😀
Welcome to the blog, Erin. I hope you come back! ~W
I KNOW your train tips will come in handy – my little one adores trains, and while we’ve actually slept at a motel that was made up of cabooses (very interesting, that), we haven’t yet gone on any long train journeys. “Yet” is the operative word! And I also run cold, so it will be lovely to be prepared. Thank you!
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Oh, you’re so welcome. Take Erin’s advice too… PLAN on the train being late! 😀 Welcome to the blog… it’s lovely to have you comment. 😀 ~W
The train is great if you are in no particular hurry to get to where you are going. I would do it again with these lessons now in hand…
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Me too! 😀 ~W
In my youth I took a train ride from DC to California and back again. It was a blast. I’m glad you guys had fun, and I can’t wait to hear more about your vacation.
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I need to write more about our vacation. But I’m finding it hard to summon words to describe this section of the trip. We are staying in the most fascinating and amazing place. I’m in utter awe. I’ve yet to really begin to photograph it. (tonight I snapped a few blurry shots in terrible light. Sunset is for lovers, not necessarily photographers.) I’m hopeful to be able to capture the grandeur soon so I can share. It will take your breath away! 😀
The train is a wild way to see the back yard of the country for sure!
And have I told you lately how cute BW is?
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Thanks, Bethany!! 😀 ~W
Well…at least the happiest place on Earth DOES usually have a lot of bathrooms…that I remember anyway. How fun to do the trip by rail! The last time I was on a train I couldn’t sleep and almost lost my mind because we stopped at every train depot between here and LA, but I loved seeing them, because they were all so different…so I would totally do that trip again!
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It was fun. We enjoyed it and are looking forward to our return journey. 😀 ~W