3 PM: All Aboard...

An exciting day so far... at lunch I shared a table with Zack and Robert, two individuals who share the joy of riding a train to Chicago. Zack is on the train since Seattle, WA, that means he is on board the third day and has spend 2 nights sleeping in coach seat. He still looks pretty fresh for such a long journey. Robert came onto the train in Fargo, ND, for him it meant to be at the Amtrak Station at 2 am this morning... boy oh boy!!! But here we are, lunch has passed and we moved over to the Sightseer Lounge car and here Arlie joined us for further talks. I saw her at the St. Paul Amtrak Station, waiting as I was, for the Empire Builder from Seattle. It rolled in with only 1 hour and 10 minutes delay, thats not bad for a 1789 mile journey across the northern part of the US.
We shared stories of our travels in the states and world, always inspiring to listen in when somebody has lots of that kind of stuff to talk about. Robert, 53, divorced with one kid, has never really been out of the states. Since he lives in Detroit he's been to Canada, then some Bahamas and I think Mexico. Zack, 23, in love and plans to tie the knot, currently living near Seattle and working on a organic farm has been around a bit more. He spend some time in Switzerland, as a boy-scout leader and pretty much has been in every state of the lower 48. Then there is Arlie, age undisclosed but could be 38 has been everywhere... India, Taiwan, Australia, Papa New Guinea, Argentina, Libya... and and and, an innocent looking women that reminded me much of Elaine, in looks, in perkiness and in her adventure spirits.
The 3 o'clock came and went and I forgot to mark the spot... it must be around Glenview, IL...