Amtrak Routes
Vacation: Day 2
Saturday, September 26, 2008
I dozed on & off, sans CTBFF, surrounded by a legion of foreign languages. My fellow passengers were a veritable traveling United Nations. Behind me were seated 2 gentlemen, one from India, the other from the Mid-East. In front of me was a young man from Germany, speaking fluent French to the Quebec'ers across the aisle. To my left was a Russian fellow, staring morosely out the window into the darkness. (I really wanted to try out the only Russian phrase I knew, "Da! Pivo!" - "Yes! Beer!" (да! пиво!), but he looked rather dour. Do Russians EVER laugh?) Behind him sat a large group of Amish folk. Their slight German accents reminded me of the farmers back home. The cacophony was somewhat comforting & relaxing - I scrunched tightly into my little corner in anticipation of being joined by CT guy and slipped deeply into slumber.
Around 1 a.m. I awoke, momentarily confused by my milieu. I was still alone in the seats, my personal space intact. The only sounds were the swish of the train as it swayed gently along the tracks and the occasional snores, sighs & grunts of others sleeping. Adjusting my position, I quickly resumed sleeping status.
When I next awoke, we were at a standstill, numerous passengers, including the herd of Amish, disembarking onto the platform. The early light of dawn illuminated the depot sign - "Pittsburgh." Conductor made the announcement that this would be a smoking stop, albeit abbreviated. Those who had not returned to their seats when the train doors closed, would be left behind in Pittsburgh. (His humor had not improved over night.)
Hmmm .... which did I need more? A cigarette or a trip to the loo? Off I went to the facilities. After relieving myself, washing my face, brushing my teeth and a quick comb through of the hair, in the miniscule quarters, I went in search of coffee. The cafe was located below the observation car.
As I made way through the car, I noticed CTBFF curled up on two of the seats, still asleep. What a gentleman! Even though I had not voiced my concerns regarding sleeping next to a strange man, he was gallant enough to allow me privacy as I slumbered.
With 2 coffees and a bagel in hand, I returned to my now familiar lair and watched the sunrise as the train slowly began its departure from the station.
I can't recall ever having been in Pittsburgh before .... I'm sure there are some beautiful areas of the city, but we sure didn't pass by them. The bleak view from my window showed desolate, deserted buildings. Trash littered the landscape. Gang signs were painted on nearly every vertical surface lining the tracks. I was reminded of Marvelous Moondance, a member of the Outer Banks Connection. His motto is "Rust Never Sleeps." Wow, MM sure could have plenty of choogling photo opportunities in Pittsburgh!
Traveling southeast through Pennsylvania, we went around mountains, over mountains and through mountains, making for some delightful site seeing. When Conductor called out our next stop would be Harper's Ferry, I was excited.
Harper's Ferry - After Civil War Battle
Most of you who know me, realize that I'm a bit of a history buff. And, Harper's Ferry held an important place in America's history.
Here we go .... today's In-A-Nutshell-History lesson:
Harper's Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia. In October, 1859, abolitionist John Brown (a radical extremist, to put it mildly) planned a raid on the Federal armory and arsenal at Harper's Ferry with hopes of using the weapons to initiate a slave uprising throughout the South. This action was described as the act that lit the fuse on the beginning of the Civil War. Ironically, the first fatality in Brown's attack was a free black man, Heyward Shepherd, a night baggage clerk at the railroad in
Harper's Ferry. On October 18th, after failed negotiations, federal troops stormed the engine house where Brown and his cohorts had taken refuge. John Brown was tried for treason against the Commonwealth of Virginia, found guilty and subsequently hanged December 2nd, 1859. Engine House
Harper's Ferry Following Brown's Raid
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