- Hunkering down in Chicago
- Chicago to Spokane
- Spokane to Seattle
- Seattle to 150 Mile House
The Empire Builder – our train from Chicago – continued its journey across the USA. The next leg was Spokane to Seattle – our destination. We’d made very slow progress overnight crossing Glacier National Park – huge snow falls. We were now running 7 hours behind schedule. We left Spokane and continued west. The train driver had every intention of making up time – but with no promises. The countryside changed to flat farmland – the snow slowly disappearing – and then onto vineyards and orchards. One of the advantages of running late is that you get to see things you would have missed. Things that would have passed by in the dead of night. One extra bonus was seeing the Columbia River and Gorge – gorgeous colours and reflections. Made the delay worth while. Stopped briefly in Wenatchee – nice views as we approached the town, crossed the river, and soldiered on. Then it was back into mountain territory – The Cascades. More snow, rushing rivers, forests on either side of the train. Cute little train station at Leavenworth. An hour had been made up as we hit the Pacific Ocean and headed down to Seattle. We had missed our connecting bus to Vancouver – but were assured that all would be well.
Having a train full of guests for a few extra hours can create some issues. The chefs in the kitchen used what supplies they had to prepare lunch – an assortment of pasta dishes. No-one starved! Everyone appreciated their efforts. Meeting different people in the dining car was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Many thanks to all those people who sat with us and shared a meal – David and Clare, Jenny, Tammy, Rick, Eric and Laura, Emily and Zak. Also a special hello to Maria and Chris – their little roomette was opposite ours. They were on their way back to Seattle for college. Thank you all for being so kind to a couple of “strange Aussies” – it was lovely to get to know you. Many blessings for 2018.
Love Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Canada, USA
I thought one of the best bits was meeting people at mealtimes, too. And I’m normally fairly antisocial! This is making me want to go on another trip asap. If only!
Everyone was so friendly!