Today in North Idaho it is sunny with a high of 52° but I’m coming to you from somewhere on the coast of Washington from an Amtrak train.  My sleeper car is a dream travel experience.  As you can see by the picture above, I have this space all to myself and I am enjoying a nice cup of Joe.  The train is remarkably quiet considering all of its passengers.  The scenery is spectacular this time of year with all the fall colors on display.  It seems as though Mother Nature is rocking me with these fastened steel rails as the world rolls by.  Truly a great way to travel!!

For those of you who have not had the opportunity to ride a train yet, here are a few key points that make it a unique experience.  As a train passenger you have advantageous views only afforded to those riding the rails.  Even if you have driven the highway route along the train tracks, the train has a whole new perspective and without the tension of traffic.  Most trains offer a viewing car, dining car, and often times you will have a commissary car.  If you have a fidgety disposition like myself then getting up and stretching your legs is a great way to break up a trip.

The dining care is an unparalleled experience that I always look forward to.  The hostess directs you to a table where you know no one.  That’s right!   You sit and dine with perfect strangers and it is an experience everyone should try.  Large elongated windows on both sides of the dining car provide gorgeous panoramic views while you are served breakfast, lunch and dinner on most routes. Today I am seated at a table with three women traveling together.  Three generations taking a train trip just for the experience and as a chance to reconnect.  It was marvelous to speak to daughter, mother and grandmother.  A jovial group of women all willing to be present in our family-dining experience.  After introductions, we shared our stories in a way that was unguarded and unique over a delicious breakfast.  I will not soon forget these beautiful acquaintances and hope to reconnect from time to time in the future.  Amtrak gets all the points in my book for promoting these opportunities.

After breakfast I took a shower and was surprised at the spacious room that was provided.  I would estimate that the shower was the same size as one you would find in most apartments which also included a small space to place your toiletry bag and clothing.  Towels, washrags and hand towels are provided as well.  The hot water was really hot (thank you!) and did not operate on a timer. Glorious!!  My trip ended in my roomette jotting down my thoughts and enjoying the remaining hours of this little romance.

Today I am glad that I had the opportunity to expand my horizons.  No matter where I am or how I found my there, I took a moment to reach outside of my comfort zone even in the smallest way.

Give your day a new door to walk through and be open to the little things.