Riding the Train to Schrammah's House

My life long dream came true and I finally got to ride the passenger train! It was bumpy so my picts turned out somewhat blurry, but still--I rode the train!

Spencer, NC Amtrak Line

Here is the text I sent along with this photo:
We r on the amtrack. It's so fun! I'm talking in a British accent (in my mind, don't worry). Amaryllis is loving the freedom of moving around. The dining cart is simply lovely with free crumpets and juice. The conductor is charming and helpful and carried my trunks, the dear. We even have power outlets to boot! Ps: they even still say "tickets please" and whole punch them. How quaint!

We boarded from the Cary Depot, which is totally nostalgic and cute. (I desperately wanted to put a penny on the track beforehand but Jake said it would fly back and hit me in the eyeball for being so naughty).

Cary, NC Train Depot

You are literally like 2 feet from the train as it approaches with headlights and horns; every single person on the platform couldn't help but smile. It really is amazing how large and powerful the train looks when it's barreling down on you.
While on board, the horn blew every couple minutes and Amaryllis would stop, gasp and whisper "choo choo train" with big eyes. I don't think she realize we were on the train blowing the horn.

I loved seeing all the Old South scenery roll by. Some towns are proud of their train stations and it is the center of hub, totally cutsified, and all together charming (like Salisbury...I really want to visit that cute little town!).

Other places we passed were quite opposite, and those towns considered "the tracks" to be dumping grounds for warehouses or used car lots.

Salisbury, NC Train Depot

We rolled by the lowland green swamps with a layer of haze hanging above the water, past white trash redneck neighborhoods, zipped through lovely pastures and farmland with picturesque plantation looking houses in the distance, and all in all it was just splendid.
Dear friends, it was simply delightful and we cannot wait to board again, but I do so wish that Mr. Bartlett is able to join us next time.