Travelogue:
Rick in Florida 9/04 to 9/19 2012
tuesday day one 09/04/2012
My journey is to Florida, Port St. Lucie, and by Amtrak train. I had to go to bed early the night before...I was worried I would not get up in time to leave. I typically do not sleep continuously at night, stay up until I feel like going to bed. But this required an early rise, as I had to catch a bus to the station first and the train left for it's first stop at 9 AM, to Philadelphia from Harrisburg, Pa. where I reside. I am visiting my friends Dave and Donna.
I reached Philadelphia around 10:30 AM and there was a layover there until a 12:34 PM departure. I used the time to eat...General Tso's Chicken, spicy...but good.
I spent the rest of the time taking some photos and exploring the Philadelphia station, now and then going outside. The view there is not spectacular, but I've never been there.
Then our train was called to get in line about 15 minutes before departure.
I was assigned my seat and made my way through the car, an inside seat. The cars are two seats on each side with and aisle between, a cafe car in front of ours. I sat next to a woman who seemed pleasant enough and smiled in greeting. It was not hard to notice her tattoos...They raised my eyes at first, but so colorful. I was mentally trying to place her background but we remained quiet for a time...I no doubt looked like a novice train rider as she brought things with her I found later were sort of necessary for a journey like this, and I didn't...Food, blanket, pillow, but did bring water and a fruit juice.
The ride was going to be long, about 37 hours with many stops through Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, The Carolinas, Georgia, and then through Florida, to a south central area known as the Treasure Coast. I have visited of the US at one time or another, much of it as a kid. I had never been to Florida.
As time went on, me and my neighbor sitting next to me began talking. She gave me some good tips for riding trains. We talked of where we were riding from, going to, why. She was coming from New Jersey, a stop before mine at Philadelphia (and Harrisburg). We introduced ourselves, and she advised me don't bother with the dining car, and the cafe itself was a bit expensive. We slept in our seats....There were stops we were allowed to leave the train and stretch.
The train was cold and I was glad I packed a hoodie sweatshirt. I wore black jeans and shoes, even though I hate shoes. In the evening amusement was a 'floorshow' on the train, people drinking a bit too much and the usual behavior associated, loud talk, music. It eventually calmed down.
I found it hard to sleep...My neighbor was out like a light buried in her blanket. I envied her on that. But I was glad I was next to someone that did not snore, toss or turn.
wednesday day two 09/05
I think I may have actually dozed some. When we got up, we both made our way to the diner car for coffee. Since I did not sleep well, I welcomed some coffee. Amtrak has good coffee. We sat in the diner car talking of family. She went into her background...member of a tribe, lived on a reservation, her father a chief, and and explained her tattoos, including a spectacular one on her back, of her father. It goes without saying I was impressed, but know I will never get even one, I hate needles....
Too much coffee...trying to avoid buying food on the train....When my neighbor came to her stop in Florida, I helped with her belongings. In a few hours I reach my destination, West Palm Beach, where Dave and Donna would pick me up and we go to Port St. Lucie where they lived. 37 hours on the train, I was in 'zonked' mode.
I was taken to dinner, Fastback Diner, where I ordered salmon with rice and vegetables, then settled into a nice guest bedroom. My friends' home is situated in a nice neighborhood with picturesque surroundings. They have done a lot of work to it. And it was good to eat after having a microwaved burger and microwaved bagel in two days.
We watched a football game, Dallas Cowboys and NY Giants. Eh, Dallas won.
Their dog Abby (Abby Gurl) is a beautiful Black Lab. She takes time to warm up to someone; one must earn her friendship and trust. I cannot wear a hat around her. No sudden moves, no camera. There is also two turtles in a tank, Sig And Schiz. Friendly little critters.
thursday day three 09/06
After 37 hours on Amtrak, a day of rest was welcome. That may sound strange, but most of the journey including trying to sleep was in a seat, and though they can be adjusted, have foot rests, it is still a seat and in unfamiliar surroundings. I took some photos along the way.
Off for a little shopping and toured some of Port St. Lucie. There is a lot of wildlife down here, birds, turtles, crabs etc. I was happy to see palm trees again; I once lived in California and plenty of Palm trees.
We went to a place nicknamed "Suicide Market". Fruits and vegetables are sold there...I bought bananas, mangoes, pears, a pineapple, some Papaya.
Afterward was a drive to a beach to look around. Red flags were up at the lifeguard station, two means water too rough for going in, one was for 'riptides.' Hurricanes out in the Atlantic Ocean were making waves rougher than normal at the shore. It went from two to one flag while we visited.
tuesday day one 09/04/2012
My journey is to Florida, Port St. Lucie, and by Amtrak train. I had to go to bed early the night before...I was worried I would not get up in time to leave. I typically do not sleep continuously at night, stay up until I feel like going to bed. But this required an early rise, as I had to catch a bus to the station first and the train left for it's first stop at 9 AM, to Philadelphia from Harrisburg, Pa. where I reside. I am visiting my friends Dave and Donna.
I reached Philadelphia around 10:30 AM and there was a layover there until a 12:34 PM departure. I used the time to eat...General Tso's Chicken, spicy...but good.
I spent the rest of the time taking some photos and exploring the Philadelphia station, now and then going outside. The view there is not spectacular, but I've never been there.
Then our train was called to get in line about 15 minutes before departure.
I was assigned my seat and made my way through the car, an inside seat. The cars are two seats on each side with and aisle between, a cafe car in front of ours. I sat next to a woman who seemed pleasant enough and smiled in greeting. It was not hard to notice her tattoos...They raised my eyes at first, but so colorful. I was mentally trying to place her background but we remained quiet for a time...I no doubt looked like a novice train rider as she brought things with her I found later were sort of necessary for a journey like this, and I didn't...Food, blanket, pillow, but did bring water and a fruit juice.
The ride was going to be long, about 37 hours with many stops through Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, The Carolinas, Georgia, and then through Florida, to a south central area known as the Treasure Coast. I have visited of the US at one time or another, much of it as a kid. I had never been to Florida.
As time went on, me and my neighbor sitting next to me began talking. She gave me some good tips for riding trains. We talked of where we were riding from, going to, why. She was coming from New Jersey, a stop before mine at Philadelphia (and Harrisburg). We introduced ourselves, and she advised me don't bother with the dining car, and the cafe itself was a bit expensive. We slept in our seats....There were stops we were allowed to leave the train and stretch.
The train was cold and I was glad I packed a hoodie sweatshirt. I wore black jeans and shoes, even though I hate shoes. In the evening amusement was a 'floorshow' on the train, people drinking a bit too much and the usual behavior associated, loud talk, music. It eventually calmed down.
I found it hard to sleep...My neighbor was out like a light buried in her blanket. I envied her on that. But I was glad I was next to someone that did not snore, toss or turn.
wednesday day two 09/05
I think I may have actually dozed some. When we got up, we both made our way to the diner car for coffee. Since I did not sleep well, I welcomed some coffee. Amtrak has good coffee. We sat in the diner car talking of family. She went into her background...member of a tribe, lived on a reservation, her father a chief, and and explained her tattoos, including a spectacular one on her back, of her father. It goes without saying I was impressed, but know I will never get even one, I hate needles....
Too much coffee...trying to avoid buying food on the train....When my neighbor came to her stop in Florida, I helped with her belongings. In a few hours I reach my destination, West Palm Beach, where Dave and Donna would pick me up and we go to Port St. Lucie where they lived. 37 hours on the train, I was in 'zonked' mode.
I was taken to dinner, Fastback Diner, where I ordered salmon with rice and vegetables, then settled into a nice guest bedroom. My friends' home is situated in a nice neighborhood with picturesque surroundings. They have done a lot of work to it. And it was good to eat after having a microwaved burger and microwaved bagel in two days.
We watched a football game, Dallas Cowboys and NY Giants. Eh, Dallas won.
Their dog Abby (Abby Gurl) is a beautiful Black Lab. She takes time to warm up to someone; one must earn her friendship and trust. I cannot wear a hat around her. No sudden moves, no camera. There is also two turtles in a tank, Sig And Schiz. Friendly little critters.
thursday day three 09/06
After 37 hours on Amtrak, a day of rest was welcome. That may sound strange, but most of the journey including trying to sleep was in a seat, and though they can be adjusted, have foot rests, it is still a seat and in unfamiliar surroundings. I took some photos along the way.
Off for a little shopping and toured some of Port St. Lucie. There is a lot of wildlife down here, birds, turtles, crabs etc. I was happy to see palm trees again; I once lived in California and plenty of Palm trees.
We went to a place nicknamed "Suicide Market". Fruits and vegetables are sold there...I bought bananas, mangoes, pears, a pineapple, some Papaya.
Afterward was a drive to a beach to look around. Red flags were up at the lifeguard station, two means water too rough for going in, one was for 'riptides.' Hurricanes out in the Atlantic Ocean were making waves rougher than normal at the shore. It went from two to one flag while we visited.
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friday
day four 09/07
To the pool in the community here. No one else was there, we had the pool to ourselves. There is also an indoor facility with tables. The place was surrounded by beautiful trees.
Some shopping was done, where I bought a much needed new pair of sandals. Personally, I hate shoes and spend a lot of time not trying to wear them. In the journey here my feet were trapped in a pair of Nikes for nearly two days.
To the pool in the community here. No one else was there, we had the pool to ourselves. There is also an indoor facility with tables. The place was surrounded by beautiful trees.
Some shopping was done, where I bought a much needed new pair of sandals. Personally, I hate shoes and spend a lot of time not trying to wear them. In the journey here my feet were trapped in a pair of Nikes for nearly two days.
saturday
day five 09/08
We decided to go to a "Pirate Festival" at a fairgrounds near here in Martin County. It was hot...We entered and viewed what vendors had to offer, which was all sorts of things...Clothing, jewelry, Pirate specific things as well like bandannas. I bought a Washington redskin cap adorned with stones. There was a live Reggae band, a mini Pirate ship complete with a Pirate, several people walking around dressed as them, a mermaid wheeled around in a wagon which I tried to get a photo of but...People kept stepping in my view. I felt for her, so hot and here she is in fins.
We left shortly since it appeared what mostly offered was vendors and food. Was fun though.
We went back to the pool later...Then it was game time. I am a big Oregon Duck fan with a pedigree. I was born in Portland Oregon....
We decided to go to a "Pirate Festival" at a fairgrounds near here in Martin County. It was hot...We entered and viewed what vendors had to offer, which was all sorts of things...Clothing, jewelry, Pirate specific things as well like bandannas. I bought a Washington redskin cap adorned with stones. There was a live Reggae band, a mini Pirate ship complete with a Pirate, several people walking around dressed as them, a mermaid wheeled around in a wagon which I tried to get a photo of but...People kept stepping in my view. I felt for her, so hot and here she is in fins.
We left shortly since it appeared what mostly offered was vendors and food. Was fun though.
We went back to the pool later...Then it was game time. I am a big Oregon Duck fan with a pedigree. I was born in Portland Oregon....
sunday
day six 09/09
Game day for all of us. Me, Washington Redskins, my friends Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. We talked of plans for the week.
monday day seven 09/10
Today we went to a beach, Jensen Beach. We stayed a couple hours, laying on shore and playing with the waves. The waves were very strong, I was knocked over several times and once found myself in deeper waters than I cared for. We decided to leave early because storm clouds were forming fast. Plans were made to come back.
tuesday day eight 09/11
Honoring 9/11. The highlight was going to an Asian restaurant serving Filipino food. When we got there I asked if Balut was served, a duck embryo. The hostess was amused I had heard of it, but they did not have them. It was the Seaweed Restaurant, and was good food and great friendly service. I had Lumpiang Shanghai spring rolls and chicken and pork Adobo, both Filipino dishes...One of my friends had Pancit Guisado, again Filipino, the other Thai food which he found too spicy. We finished it with fried cheesecake.
wednesday day nine 09/12
Back to the beach again, this time no storms. It storms frequently down here. We spent a lot of the morning there...Eating breakfast at a little beach cafe to start off waiting for the hide tide to recede. There was one flag up to warn of riptides. The waves were still rough but we got in from time to time anyway. There were hermit crabs close by with homes in the sand and lots of birds. I chased the birds with a camera. We left all sun and windburned...
thursday day ten 09/13
This day was going to be fishing and crabbing, but all still a little burned and slow from the beach Wednesday. Shopping for fruit at Barbour's, a road side fruit store (Suicide Market, named for tight parking by a two lane road), Publix supermarket. Plans were made to attend a Pow-Wow Friday in the afternoon and evening, and fishing in the morning.
friday day eleven 09/14
Slow start to the day...Decided to postpone the fishing since we were all still feeling the effects of the sun from the beach.
Later in the day we went to the Spirit of the Dance Pow Wow at Martin Fairgrounds, inter tribal. It was late afternoon. The fairgrounds were light in attendance, some vendors selling their wares still setting up. We were told it had been raining off and on during the day. We shopped a little, and hung around for ceremonial dancing to begin around 7 PM. A flute maker performed some songs for a few minutes, Utah Farris of Lake Wales, Florida, who also had a tent set up, "Flight feather Flutes." We remained for some of the dancing, dancers dressed in their regalia. It was a small gathering, their first year but was with some enthusiasm.
We went to Perkins for dinner. I was told by my friends it is normally slow on a Friday night. This time not...A big group of kids, 40 from a Boy's Choir invaded and threw the whole staff there into a tizzy. We were patient and ate some good food.
saturday day twelve 09/15
Shopping for food, fruit again. I wanted fruit drinks to take traveling home. We bought fish at a market...shrimp and mussels. The internet was slow. I worked some on studies I am doing, and future blogs. Highlight? My Oregon Ducks, of course (College Football).. My friends like them too, what's there not to like?
sunday day thirteen 09/16
Game day once again. We picked our teams, now see if it is agony or...not agony.
Well, all our favorite teams lost. Dave, the Dallas Cowboys. Donna, Baltimore Ravens. Me, my Washington Redskins.
monday day fourteen 09/17
My last day. Dave had been under the weather some, but still wanted to take me fishing at one of his favorite spots. It was nice out, sunny with some spectacular cloud formations. It was so amusing, the fish were literally jumping out of the water. The bait was shrimp. It was not so much catching fish or not catching them, it was the experience of just being there enjoying the smell of the air and the water and the view.
Dave was first, he caught a 'puffer fish.' Out of the water, they blow themselves up like a balloon, and it was breathing heavily. We unhooked it and tossed it back.
Shrimp and an artificial lure were our bait. The fish loved the shrimp noting how many times we reeled in our lines and found our hooks empty. Dave caught the puffer fish with the artificial lure.
I caught one later with shrimp as bait. Tossed him back too. Then Dave got a Sunfish.
I spent a little time snapping photos, as Dave also did. All in all it was a lot of fun. Donna decided to stay behind, to keep their dog Abby company.
We sort of watched the last NFL game for the week, deciding at the end, think twice before picking the Broncos.
I spent time on some assignments later, and packing to go, and the three of us worked on uploading the camera I used, putting almost 300 photos on disc. Dave took a few of me. Oh, how I hate growing old...er....older...I do not take well to photos of me.
Dave also uploaded some he thought I would like he had taken.
tuesday day fifteen 09/18
I sort of dreaded this day. I really enjoyed Florida in everything. Yes, it stormed some. But, I lived in Asia as a kid. I know of unpredictable type weather. We and my friends did many things in two weeks. I had only met Dave once earlier in person, before it was on phone or Facebook. He a genuine generous guy. To me, rare in this world, and I am glad Donna found someone she is happy with.
I got to see gekkos everywhere, all sorts of birds. Crabs, including a land crab. Friendly people everywhere. And attend a Pow Wow just getting it's very first start. Enjoy Filipino cuisine at it's finest. If ever down in Port St. Lucie, check out the Seaweed Restaurant. Absolutely great food served with friendly service.
Abby Gurl
Abby the Black lab was taken in in bad shape, abused by a previous owner. She was living underneath a trailer home living on acorns. It is no wonder she has trust issues. Dave and Donna rescued her. And as most labs, very loving. Every day I got tongue baths. Thanks to Dave I have some photos of her, I was only able to get one, and had to be mindful to not wear a cap, for some reason she hates them.
After a few days, Abby actually got trusting. That made me feel really good. There was a couple times she was outside while we three were out in the garage talking, I went out to be with her, quietly. All of a sudden this look, I've seen it before in a Lab when they want to play, she takes off running...I chase her around and around until we both have to catch our breath. But nothing feels better than gaining the trust of someone. It felt good.
The train home
Come time to leave, a little chaos, there always is, especially with me. I wanted to make sure I at least cleaned some things up after packing, and clear out the laptop. Donna packed me a lot of food...
We got to the station in plenty of time. It was hard to say goodbye to my friends, but I tried not to show it too much. I have clinical depression, and choose to handle it through diet and hopefully good sleep and rest, exercise. But, emotions are a little more intense without the medications. I have always been an emotional type of guy anyway. They were hoping I had a good time, oh yeah, I did. I was glad to finally get to spend time with Dave, and Abby.
The train ride was routine. This time, actually boring...The guy next to me sat like a statue and figited a lot. It kept me amused. I arrived at my first destination on time, which amazes me with Amtrak. They were an hour behind at one point due to a glitch in Orlando, Florida waiting for another train to clear the tracks, yet arrived in Philadelphia on time the next morning. 27 hours on the train. I kept dropping things...My glasses, my phone...Squirmed through the night trying to get comfortable. Amtrak must be a ritual for people that travel the train a lot. For me, just another uncomfortable place to try to sleep overnight.
Philadelphia proved to have it's own amusement. A guy sat next to me waiting for the same train, and asked where I was coming from. "Florida", I answered. Oops, did I say that..."You could never get me to ever go back there, they have all sorts of things there just ready to attack you, man eating bugs, once an alligator walked right across the highway in front of my car..." was his repsonse. I almost bust out laughing. A lot of times what I want to say stays in my mind, as in..."Just one of Nature's little creatures, you should feel honored it chose you to walk across the highway in front of your car, doesn't happen just anywhere you know..."
The Philadelphia station is big. Ha, maybe not big enough. Traveling one meets all sort of nature. Some more human than others....I do attempt to try, try...to avoid certain types of personalities. Not always possible. The one that talks to hear himself talk, the comedian of the hour, the one trying to gain your confidence to hit you up for a story to get you to part with funds. Oh yeah, they work the trains and bus routes.
Back in Harrisburg at the station, take cab or bus? I chose bus, and of course, it's crowded..The bus driver let it be known she was not happy with me coming on board with all my stuff. I think a give away is when one hears the driver say 'you're welcome' when people exiting the bus say thank you to her, and when you do, she mumbles something you probably do not want to hear...Oh well...her problem. Hope she had a nice rest of the day, I did as best I could. Mine was getting to my apartment, and try not to think why I really do not like it here. Home, unloaded my things.
Home. Working on a new one. And...I went...
More photos
Game day for all of us. Me, Washington Redskins, my friends Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. We talked of plans for the week.
monday day seven 09/10
Today we went to a beach, Jensen Beach. We stayed a couple hours, laying on shore and playing with the waves. The waves were very strong, I was knocked over several times and once found myself in deeper waters than I cared for. We decided to leave early because storm clouds were forming fast. Plans were made to come back.
tuesday day eight 09/11
Honoring 9/11. The highlight was going to an Asian restaurant serving Filipino food. When we got there I asked if Balut was served, a duck embryo. The hostess was amused I had heard of it, but they did not have them. It was the Seaweed Restaurant, and was good food and great friendly service. I had Lumpiang Shanghai spring rolls and chicken and pork Adobo, both Filipino dishes...One of my friends had Pancit Guisado, again Filipino, the other Thai food which he found too spicy. We finished it with fried cheesecake.
wednesday day nine 09/12
Back to the beach again, this time no storms. It storms frequently down here. We spent a lot of the morning there...Eating breakfast at a little beach cafe to start off waiting for the hide tide to recede. There was one flag up to warn of riptides. The waves were still rough but we got in from time to time anyway. There were hermit crabs close by with homes in the sand and lots of birds. I chased the birds with a camera. We left all sun and windburned...
thursday day ten 09/13
This day was going to be fishing and crabbing, but all still a little burned and slow from the beach Wednesday. Shopping for fruit at Barbour's, a road side fruit store (Suicide Market, named for tight parking by a two lane road), Publix supermarket. Plans were made to attend a Pow-Wow Friday in the afternoon and evening, and fishing in the morning.
friday day eleven 09/14
Slow start to the day...Decided to postpone the fishing since we were all still feeling the effects of the sun from the beach.
Later in the day we went to the Spirit of the Dance Pow Wow at Martin Fairgrounds, inter tribal. It was late afternoon. The fairgrounds were light in attendance, some vendors selling their wares still setting up. We were told it had been raining off and on during the day. We shopped a little, and hung around for ceremonial dancing to begin around 7 PM. A flute maker performed some songs for a few minutes, Utah Farris of Lake Wales, Florida, who also had a tent set up, "Flight feather Flutes." We remained for some of the dancing, dancers dressed in their regalia. It was a small gathering, their first year but was with some enthusiasm.
We went to Perkins for dinner. I was told by my friends it is normally slow on a Friday night. This time not...A big group of kids, 40 from a Boy's Choir invaded and threw the whole staff there into a tizzy. We were patient and ate some good food.
saturday day twelve 09/15
Shopping for food, fruit again. I wanted fruit drinks to take traveling home. We bought fish at a market...shrimp and mussels. The internet was slow. I worked some on studies I am doing, and future blogs. Highlight? My Oregon Ducks, of course (College Football).. My friends like them too, what's there not to like?
sunday day thirteen 09/16
Game day once again. We picked our teams, now see if it is agony or...not agony.
Well, all our favorite teams lost. Dave, the Dallas Cowboys. Donna, Baltimore Ravens. Me, my Washington Redskins.
monday day fourteen 09/17
My last day. Dave had been under the weather some, but still wanted to take me fishing at one of his favorite spots. It was nice out, sunny with some spectacular cloud formations. It was so amusing, the fish were literally jumping out of the water. The bait was shrimp. It was not so much catching fish or not catching them, it was the experience of just being there enjoying the smell of the air and the water and the view.
Dave was first, he caught a 'puffer fish.' Out of the water, they blow themselves up like a balloon, and it was breathing heavily. We unhooked it and tossed it back.
Shrimp and an artificial lure were our bait. The fish loved the shrimp noting how many times we reeled in our lines and found our hooks empty. Dave caught the puffer fish with the artificial lure.
I caught one later with shrimp as bait. Tossed him back too. Then Dave got a Sunfish.
I spent a little time snapping photos, as Dave also did. All in all it was a lot of fun. Donna decided to stay behind, to keep their dog Abby company.
We sort of watched the last NFL game for the week, deciding at the end, think twice before picking the Broncos.
I spent time on some assignments later, and packing to go, and the three of us worked on uploading the camera I used, putting almost 300 photos on disc. Dave took a few of me. Oh, how I hate growing old...er....older...I do not take well to photos of me.
Dave also uploaded some he thought I would like he had taken.
tuesday day fifteen 09/18
I sort of dreaded this day. I really enjoyed Florida in everything. Yes, it stormed some. But, I lived in Asia as a kid. I know of unpredictable type weather. We and my friends did many things in two weeks. I had only met Dave once earlier in person, before it was on phone or Facebook. He a genuine generous guy. To me, rare in this world, and I am glad Donna found someone she is happy with.
I got to see gekkos everywhere, all sorts of birds. Crabs, including a land crab. Friendly people everywhere. And attend a Pow Wow just getting it's very first start. Enjoy Filipino cuisine at it's finest. If ever down in Port St. Lucie, check out the Seaweed Restaurant. Absolutely great food served with friendly service.
Abby Gurl
Abby the Black lab was taken in in bad shape, abused by a previous owner. She was living underneath a trailer home living on acorns. It is no wonder she has trust issues. Dave and Donna rescued her. And as most labs, very loving. Every day I got tongue baths. Thanks to Dave I have some photos of her, I was only able to get one, and had to be mindful to not wear a cap, for some reason she hates them.
After a few days, Abby actually got trusting. That made me feel really good. There was a couple times she was outside while we three were out in the garage talking, I went out to be with her, quietly. All of a sudden this look, I've seen it before in a Lab when they want to play, she takes off running...I chase her around and around until we both have to catch our breath. But nothing feels better than gaining the trust of someone. It felt good.
The train home
Come time to leave, a little chaos, there always is, especially with me. I wanted to make sure I at least cleaned some things up after packing, and clear out the laptop. Donna packed me a lot of food...
We got to the station in plenty of time. It was hard to say goodbye to my friends, but I tried not to show it too much. I have clinical depression, and choose to handle it through diet and hopefully good sleep and rest, exercise. But, emotions are a little more intense without the medications. I have always been an emotional type of guy anyway. They were hoping I had a good time, oh yeah, I did. I was glad to finally get to spend time with Dave, and Abby.
The train ride was routine. This time, actually boring...The guy next to me sat like a statue and figited a lot. It kept me amused. I arrived at my first destination on time, which amazes me with Amtrak. They were an hour behind at one point due to a glitch in Orlando, Florida waiting for another train to clear the tracks, yet arrived in Philadelphia on time the next morning. 27 hours on the train. I kept dropping things...My glasses, my phone...Squirmed through the night trying to get comfortable. Amtrak must be a ritual for people that travel the train a lot. For me, just another uncomfortable place to try to sleep overnight.
Philadelphia proved to have it's own amusement. A guy sat next to me waiting for the same train, and asked where I was coming from. "Florida", I answered. Oops, did I say that..."You could never get me to ever go back there, they have all sorts of things there just ready to attack you, man eating bugs, once an alligator walked right across the highway in front of my car..." was his repsonse. I almost bust out laughing. A lot of times what I want to say stays in my mind, as in..."Just one of Nature's little creatures, you should feel honored it chose you to walk across the highway in front of your car, doesn't happen just anywhere you know..."
The Philadelphia station is big. Ha, maybe not big enough. Traveling one meets all sort of nature. Some more human than others....I do attempt to try, try...to avoid certain types of personalities. Not always possible. The one that talks to hear himself talk, the comedian of the hour, the one trying to gain your confidence to hit you up for a story to get you to part with funds. Oh yeah, they work the trains and bus routes.
Back in Harrisburg at the station, take cab or bus? I chose bus, and of course, it's crowded..The bus driver let it be known she was not happy with me coming on board with all my stuff. I think a give away is when one hears the driver say 'you're welcome' when people exiting the bus say thank you to her, and when you do, she mumbles something you probably do not want to hear...Oh well...her problem. Hope she had a nice rest of the day, I did as best I could. Mine was getting to my apartment, and try not to think why I really do not like it here. Home, unloaded my things.
Home. Working on a new one. And...I went...
More photos
Rick I am so happy you enjoyed the visit as much as we did!! We loved having you stay as our guest and I know Dave had a lot of fun getting to know you.
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