In about 10 days, this old virginian and his wife, along with my clan of kids and grandkids will hie ourselves off to the Washington DC Union Station. We will board the number 89 train for Florence, SC on our way to Myrtle Beach, SC and our condo timeshare for a few days of fun, sun, and beach.
The real thrill for me will be the look of joy on the faces of my grand daughters as they experience rail travel for the first time in their short lives. From the 13 year old, to the 5 year old, these three young angels are excited about the train. As one said to me, “Papa, this will be the first time I rode a train in my whole life”! That life being eight years and counting at this point.
While this old man loves everthing about train travel, the sheer excitement that is evident in these three girls as they prepare for their “voyage” on June 26 is something I wish I still had. Nay, I am not ambivalent about taking a train trip, I love trains, and the Bride and I use any excuse possible to travle hither and yon on one of AMTRAK’s wonderful conveyances.
So, we will all settle back, luxuriating in those wide comfortable seats on the train, ride our 8 hours and wait anxiously for the chance to do it all again, in the reverse trip.
“Got my bag, got my reservation. Spent each dime I could afford. Like a child in wild anticipation, long to hear that “ALL ABOARD!”.”
Been my theme song for decades.
If you haven’t ridden on one of our nation’s passenger trains, I would encourage you to give it a try.
