I bicycled out of Langley at 1:15 PM, after speaking with Anders, bound for Clinton Ferry Terminal. Donald was waiting down at the boat. He bought a ticket; I did not. I need to check on this when I return as I may owe the State money.
After disembarking the boat, we became stuck at the crosswalk that is located at Highway 20 and Mukilteo Boulevard. If there is someone from the State DOT reading this, know that the signal is not registering.
We bicycled into Everett, turning left on Rucker. We stopped by a rather charming retaining wall by a nail salon. We decided that we were both open to stopping for a bite to eat prior to heading down to the station. A short distance down the street, a familiar sight caught my attention, Teriyaki and Burger Stop. I leashed my bicycle to a lamppost. The chicken teriyaki was quite good. The table surfaces were not.
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| Retaining Wall |
We boarded the train at Everett Station, leaving on time.
Honoring our 7:30 dinner reservation, we were seated with Todd in the dining car. He was battling cancer and had a great attitude about his situation. He had a rail pass and was starting a long, circuitous trip through the western center of the country. In Milwaukee, he had tickets for the Green Day concert. He also planned on catching a Cubs game in Chicago. Todd paid the dinner tip, which was kind.
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| Waiting in Wenatchee |
We got stuck in Wenatchee due to a forest fire up ahead in Methow Valley. We waited more than an hour before moving. Donald suggested to the car attendant that we gather speed and shoot through the flames, the train could handle it. I suggested that we treat the train as a cruise ship in port, eating and sleeping on board while using the extra time to explore the city. Finally, we left the station. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment in the thought of what could have been. I will note that, and Donald can confirm this, the train engineer was seen smoking a substantial stogie relatively close to the diesel tank.
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| Roomette |
The roomette that we were assigned (#22) is small, but suits our needs. Of note is the restroom/shower closest to us. The locking mechanism is broken and currently resting on the sink top. This introduces an element of chance, similar to a roulette wheel, when using the facility. Will my eyes be met by a fellow passenger while sitting in a compromising position?
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| Out of Order |
While discussing this situation with our roomette door open, a man, staying in the room across from us, opened his door and, with a heavy glance, indicated that we needed to be quiet. Donald suspected that alcohol was a factor, although there was no hard evidence. We complied with the request.
Note: The restroom has been closed, in an official manner, by the Amtrak staff. Also, there are trees in the restrooms.
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| Tree |
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I slept soundly last night, lulled by the movement of the train.
In the afternoon, we were greeted by a rainbow before a hard rain set in. On the plains, the storm's approach is clearly visible, and I was glad to be seated within the comfort of the viewing car.
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| Rainbow |
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| Downpour |
We enjoyed our meals in the dining car, engaging in conversations with fellow passengers seated at our table - one couple, and a mother with her daughter. The Amtrak staff have been incredibly kind and accommodating. In jest, a woman who has served us regularly labeled Don and me as "troublemakers".
Come evening, I took a shower and retired to bed.
We are off to a good start.
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