Day 28 – Wednesday, June 8, 2022

I am writing this from my desk in our Somerset condo. We’re home!

Our train left Chicago on time last evening. There was abbreviated food service, but we had a decent dinner in our room. There wasn’t much daylight left when we got settled. We awoke in Pennsylvania; the sky was clear and our surroundings were green. For a while we followed a river but had only quick intermittent glances of it because of the trees alongside. Our porter was a veteran of this route (23 years) so he gave us some history as we went through Pennsylvania and Maryland, the part of the morning when everyone was awake.

We rode the Metro from the Rockville train station and then walked from the Friendship Heights Metro stop to Somerset. We enjoyed our trip but are glad to be home. We look forward to sleeping in our own bed! I hope you all have enjoyed the trip as well. We appreciate your traveling along with us. Thanks for all your comments. So until next time; hasta la vista!

 

Day 27 – Tuesday, June 7, 2022

We marked the entry into North Dakota with some Badlands-like formations, but the green grass and fields stayed with us. 

We proceeded on to the Mississippi River with some barge traffic. the water looks high from all the rain that has fallen the last month or so. The barges and tug boats remind me of my father. 

It’s an enjoyable day of train travel. This evening, we are on the final leg of our trip – the train from Chicago to Washington D C. This time tomorrow, we will be at our Chevy Chase home.

 

Days 25 & 26, Sunday, June 5 & Monday, June 6, 2022

After breakfast and a third garden visit, Kay took us to meet the ferry to go back to Seattle where we caught the train. The Empire Builder was late leaving Seattle, but we were settled in time for dinner in our sleeper. Some pictures will let you see how small the space is!

The train follows the Puget Sound coast up to Everett, Washington then turns east and inland. 

It was light long enough for us to enjoy both the coast and the forested Cascades. Neither of us slept very well as we tried to get used to the train’s various motions! The scenery has been nice to spectacular; we especially enjoyed our crossing of Glacier National Park this morning. 

We are continuing across Montana this afternoon; I can understand why Gary Smith likes the state so much. 

We’ve only had a couple of stops with time to go outside for a few minutes. Amtrak is trying to make up their tardiness before we get to Chicago!

 

Days 23 & 24 – Friday, June 3 & Saturday, June 4, 2022

We enjoyed our drive back to Anchorage and had a pleasant flight to Seattle. 

After the short ferry ride, we were greeted at the ferry terminal on Vashon Island by long-time friend Kay Pieringer. Kay’s home is comfortable and has a stunning view. We laugh that we took the scenic route to get here!

Today, Saturday, Kay has given us an introductory drive around the island. We are so lucky to be here for the garden tour. We visited 2 magnificent gardens. Tonight for dinner, Kay is cooking fresh caught king salmon and freshly harvested asparagus. Sounds delicious.

 

Days 21 & 22 – Wednesday, June 1 & Thursday, June 2, 2022

We left our last campground for this trip on Wednesday morning. 

After leaving the RV with Great Alaskan, we drove down to Soldatna. The drive past Beluga Point and Turnagain Basin is always beautiful. We didn’t see any Beluga whales this time, probably because the tide was out. The Kenai Peninsula has arrived in Spring. 

The lupine along the road made us think of Texas. 

We ate dinner at the St. Elias Brewing Company. They have craft beers and wood fired pizza and the best gluten-free crust I’ve ever had.

Last night was interrupted by the happy news that our daughter-in-law, Kate was checking into the hospital to have our second granddaughter! Emily Joyce Kittrell was born about 6:30 this morning. Son Norman was in the delivery room to assist. Emily weighed 15 lb. 15 ½ oz. She is named for son Norman’s 2 grandmothers. We had a video chat with them this afternoon. Granddaughter Kathryn, accompanied by Professor Grandma KK, has been to the hospital to meet her baby sister.

We had a magnificent day floating down the Kasilof River in search of King salmon. The low river level has impeded the salmon run, and, alas, we came home empty handed but thankful for a restful day surround by leafy trees, soaring eagles, squawking terns and very little driving.