We slipped out of Boston just ahead of what might have been a big snow storm (12" predicted) but this morning, the system is already out to sea and New Hampshire is at 32 degrees. Meanwhile, in Philadephia, it's still pitch dark, except for the sparkling street lights and holiday decorations. Lots of buildings are prettied up for the passengers on the train.
Although I got to sleep late (two hours after bed time), various longer stops (Hartford, New York, Newark) woke me just enough to enjoy going back to sleep. Then, at 3:45 AM, about my regular waking hour, my eyes popped open and I was ready to go. Had to wake the laptop up and wait for a loging screen for Amtrak's free WiFi, but that took just a minute. The lap top already recognizes the train.
The spouse woke about a half hour later and went to get coffee. So, I pulled out my pretzels and grapes and, as a special treat, a hard boiled egg. Now I'm all set for the day.
We arrive in D.C. in about an hour and a half for a three-hour lay-over.
I was hoping the Senate would keep its word and be in session all weekend, so we could have popped in for a look-see, but they chickened out. Rachel Maddow had a nice segment on how the marathon Senate session wound down when Republicans failed to show up to take their watch.
"All talk, no action." If you've ever wondered what that means, think U.S. Senate under the direction of Mitch McConnell. A symphony of natter devolving into blessed silence.
I'm riding on the eastern side of the train in hopes of seeing the sunrise. There's a dusting of snow on the trees, but the streets are glistening dark from the wet and the overcast seems thin. Perhaps a good sunrise in the offing.
The train, by the way, is chock a block full of trusting souls. There's nothing like a train load of sleeping citizens to impress on you what being private in public means. Self-centered people on trains are few and far between.
Oh, we've also got two see-ing eye dogs and their companions. Since the ladies can't see, they probably chatter more than most, but quietly. It's just like falling asleep listening to the radio.
Industrial buildings all lit up make a nice display. I think the organge glow means they're using energy saving bulbs.
It takes just as long on the train as it does to drive and costs no more, especially if one includes the $50 in tolls it now costs to drive from D.C. to New York. You can walk around, the "comfort stations" are clean and well supplied, and looking at the scenery doesn't risk running into a tree. And I'm not just writing that because the coffee this morning was free. :)