Rolling along

Well here we go again. On the rails and flying along at 80MPH. I so enjoy the train. This trip especially. The past few times I've traveled for other than work, I've been sick, weak and all that I was capable of, was sitting. This time with the Cancer and AIDS under apparent control, the trip is enjoyable and once again fun for all the right reasons. Red Coach to Miami was amazing! Great ride and service. Nice to see what the competition is up to. Really enjoyed seeing the highway from the Passengers prespective instead of the Drivers' seat this time out. The only bad thing thus far, was that Damn RAMADA in Highaleia. GOD what a pit. Room was Clean and the in Hotel Resteraunt was actually good. The bathtub was cracked and peeling, Cable was limited (mostly Spanish language  channels) and because of an event scheduled long before the Reservation was made, the pool was not usuable. The "EVENT" was for Cuban exciles" and thier Children. So the speakers, set right outside my window, the room thumpped with the so called music. I was assured by the front desk, that it would only be an hour at most. 2 1/2 hours later at 23:00, and 5 calls to the front desk, it stopped. I guess 100 rooms had called (found out this morning) and were going to call Miami-Dade Police. Things got so much better as soon as I got in the cab for the Station. Cab because the Hotel lied in saying the shuttle on way to the Airportwould drop me off at Amtrak. Driver was curtious, fast, not dangerous, and so helpful. Amtrak, as always was ABSOLUTLY OUTSTANDING with thier customer service. Right as I walked in the main door was greeted with " Good Morning Sir, are you checking any bags today?" Boarding time came with a bounus as well. This station attendent walked up and asked if I was Mr. Warren. When the reponse was in the affirmitive, he escorted me to the Sleeper car that had been assigned, assited in loading the bags not just on the Train, but into the room as well. Reminded me that the Dining Car would open 40 minutes after departure for Breakfast. Amtrak, being Goverment Funded, does not HAVE to provide outstandin or even mediocer service. Hard to fire a Government employee. They do it for the love of the Job and the love of the rails. I so wish Amtrak could go private and really compete hed on with the Airlines. It is a more relaxing, comfortable, (even in coach) way to travel. You seee the country from Sea Level, not 40,000 feet. Now at 21:00, the rail are singing a sweet lulaby to the passengers, my shower has been taken, night meds are down, and the land of nod is calling. I'll sit up a little longer to enjoy the Darkness screaming by the window in this Roometee, watching the occational red streaks from croosing arms that are down warning cars to hold up, train coming through. When the Sun come up, Washington D.C. will be in sight. Swapping from Diesel to Electric Locomotives, we then go from 80MPH to 110MPH the rest of the way to NYC and Boston. So today has been a great day to be alive. Beautiful weather, great train ride, and health to go with it ths time out of the gate. Thom would have loved all of this. Somehow though, I think he is. Sitting here with me on the train.